Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official name of the project and why is it so important?
The Capital Campaign is titled, “Building Dreams, Dreaming Buildings”. This campaign is important because it plans to construct a 50,000 square foot building which will solve three previously un-met needs in this country:
- To develop creativity and talent in children and adolescents who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing to allow them to fulfill their potential.
- To increase knowledge in professionals working in the field of Deafness through a partnership for advanced training by Illinois State University, Oakton Community College and ICODA.
- To develop new knowledge through research, diagnostics and innovative intervention techniques for children with hearing loss, cochlear implants and/or multiple problems.
Due to our ongoing commitment to provide quality programs based on the need of each individual child, the new building will be developed as a model Center that incorporates the latest technology and advancements into its programs. Every effort will be made to share its findings and discovery of effective techniques on an international basis.
What is the financial goal for the campaign?
ICODA plans to raise 25 million dollars for the “Building Dreams, Dreaming Buildings” campaign. The funds raised will be used as follows:
- 15 million – Planning, architectural design, construction, equipment and furnishings.
- 10 million – Endowment to provide interest funds to maintain the building and programs.
How may Gifts be made to this project?
Donors are encouraged to consider pledging generous gifts and paying them over a period of three years. A signed statement of intent or a pledge form may be used to indicate the size and timing of the pledge payment. If necessary, the timing of your pledge may be adjusted at any time by notifying the campaign office. Outright gifts paid in a single year will also be gratefully accepted.
In lieu of cash contributions, donors may choose to pay their commitments through gifts of appreciated property including: marketable securities (stocks and mutual funds), real estate and other personal property (such as cars, jewelry, etc.). Some will make ICODA the owner or beneficiary of an insurance policy. Others may choose to create a gift fund (for example, a charitable remainder trust) which provides an income to the donor and /or another beneficiary for a specified time and which, at the end of this time, the trust’s assets pass to the benefit of ICODA. We are also licensed to establish gift annuities.
Many companies will match employee contributions to ICODA. Donors are encouraged to check with their employers to determine if a matching gift program exists. If so, please notify the campaign office at the time of your gift.
What Type of Recognition is Available?
There are a variety of naming and sponsorship opportunities available for the “Building Dreams, Dreaming Buildings” campaign. Some of these opportunities include a Donor Wall, room and area naming opportunities as well as Engraved Bricks, Engraved Theatre Seats and gifts “In Memory of” or “In Honor of” a loved one.
How will ICODA raise money for this project?
Through the “Building Dreams, Dreaming Buildings” Campaign, we plan to raise $25 million in outright charitable gifts and pledges that may be paid over three year period. The campaign involving more than 50 community volunteers, will seek the generous support of board members, friends of ICODA, foundations, community-service organizations, local businesses, State and Federal grants, educators of the Deaf and business corporations in the field of Deafness. We will support the maintenance of the building through rental fees for instructional space for the IOI project and by interest derived from the endowment established through the campaign.
How much of every dollar raised goes to programs?
A special bank account is being setup to hold campaign funds as they are received. One hundred percent of the funds received will be used for architectural design, construction, equipment, furnishings and an endowment to maintain the building and programs. Accounting records of the funds will be open to the public upon request.
What happens if the full amount is not received?
Through the generous giving of its supporters, ICODA is confident that the $25 million goal will be achieved. However, in the event the full amount is not secured, the Board will assess how much money is available and if necessary, implement the project in phases.
Our desire is to exceed what is financially called for in the “Building Dreams, Dreaming Buildings” campaign. This will ensure that our endowment will grow rapidly towards the ultimate $10 million target. By surpassing the goal, the board can also consider additional expansion of our program delivery system.
Who does ICODA serve?
ICODA serves infants and their parents, children, adolescents and adults. There is a major effort to include Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing individuals in the majority of the programs. This allows each group to learn about the other and socialization is facilitated.
ICODA serves on a local, statewide, national and international basis. Internationally children and adults from Australia, Japan, Poland, Finland, Canada, the Philippines, Germany, Brazil and Puerto Rico have participated in either the Arts Camp or the Museum.
A new building with advanced technology will permit the University Training Program (the IOI Project) to serve students all over the world through interactive video conferencing.
If I have a question, whom should I contact?
All questions may be directed to:
Patricia Scherer, Ph.D. Kathleen Herman
Founder & President Executive Director
847-509-8260 x233 847-509-8260 x236
p.scherer@icodaarts.org k.herman@icodaarts.org