Make an impact on Hancher's future!
Hancher is an essential and collaborative resource for teaching, learning, engagement, exploration, and creativity—enriching lives and building community through the transformative power of the performing arts.
We are a vital part of the University of Iowa and committed to growing Iowa’s reputation as a performing arts university of first choice: a place where students, faculty, staff, community members, and artists gather around creative practice and find joy and meaning.
If you’d like to partner in our mission, one way to do so is to join us as a donor. If you want to learn more, please read about how we thank our donors below or call Marilyn Grover at (319) 467-3424.
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How We Thank Our Donors
As a donor to Hancher, you are supporting more than a series of shows on a stage. You’re investing in a first-choice destination performing arts campus—a place where creativity is a core value and exceptional, transformative experiences in the arts are available to all students and community members. We’re deeply grateful for all who join us in our mission.
As part of our thanks to donors, here’s what you need to know about our season and giving.
Gifts of $120 or more in a given July 1 - June 30 qualifies you to order tickets before the general public if we receive your gift before the on-sale date leading up to each season.
You can also go to this page to get the most up-to-date information about ordering tickets as a donor here.
In appreciation of our supporters, we thank all our donors at various levels with the following benefits:
Explore our donor levels and benefits
$25+ (Friend)
- Your gift helps support Hancher is for Hawkeyes, an annual event that offers $5 tickets to UI students—who are absolutely central to Hancher’s work. Your gift connects more students with Hancher’s artists and events.|
- You’ll receive a Hancher sticker (or similar swag) to proudly display on your laptop or elsewhere.
$60+ (Champion)
- Because of generous donor support, we are able to keep ticket prices low. In fact, without this support, tickets would cost double (or even triple) what we actually charge patrons. Your support makes our programming more affordable (and sometimes even free) for everyone.
- All benefits associated with the preceding level.
$120+ (Supporter)
- Presenting outdoor performances is an expensive endeavor—and we often offer these performances as a gift to the community at no cost. Your gift can help us continue to bring the community together in this special way.
- You’ll have the opportunity, along with donors at higher levels, to order tickets before the general public whenever new performances are announced.
- All benefits associated with the preceding levels.
$600+ (Patron)
- Hancher is one of the largest employers of students on campus—and we couldn’t do what we do without them! Your gift helps support approximately 12 student shifts, allowing us to pay competitive wages while also providing a wealth of memorable (and resume-worthy) experiences.
- All benefits associated with the preceding levels.
$1,200+ (Advocate)
- Some performances require specialized equipment that Hancher rents from outside vendors. An individual piece of necessary equipment can cost $1,000 or more to have on site to help ensure an artist’s performance truly shines. You’re helping us invest in spectacular shows.
- You’ll be invited to enjoy a premium level of ordering priority during donor on-sale periods.
- You’ll receive invitations to special events.
- All benefits associated with the preceding levels.
$3,300+ (Partner)
- Many Hancher artists participate in residency activities above and beyond their performances, connecting with students and others in the community. Your gift supports our ability to responsibly manage the extra cost of these residencies as we deepen the impact of Hancher—“the largest classroom on campus.”
- Your generosity will be recognized in Hancher brochures and playbills as well as on the website.
- You’ll receive an invitation to the annual Partners Party and other special experiences.
- All benefits associated with the preceding levels.
$6,000+ (Believer)
- Keeping Hancher clean, fostering a welcoming environment, and supporting production comes to a cost of between $5,000 and $10,000 per performance. Your support makes sure everyone—including Hancher artists—feel at home here.
- Your generosity will be recognized in connection with a specific performance in Hancher brochures and playbills as well as on the website.
- All benefits associated with preceding the levels.
$10,000+ (Promoter)
- Hancher entrusts dedicated students with assistantships that offer more responsibility and the chance to garner valuable leadership experience. Your gift is equally to the cost of supporting two such positions annually.
- Your generosity will be recognized in connection with a Broadway show, symphony orchestra, major ballet company, or other event requiring especially robust levels of support.
- All benefits associated with the preceding levels.
$25,000+ (Director)*
- A gift of this size can support truly special projects. In keeping with this level of generosity, we will personalize your benefits. We look forward to discussing opportunities with you.
- All benefits associated with the preceding levels.
*Includes all donors who have reached $100,000+ in lifetime giving to Hancher.
Our Donors Make a Difference
See how donors like you have changed lives through the performing arts here at Hancher.
Curious about other ways to make an impact on Hancher’s mission like estate plans, gifts of stock, qualified charitable distributions from IRA funds, etc.?
Devin van Holsteijn
Executive Director of Development
The University of Iowa Center for Advancement
(319) 467-3658