Frequently Asked Questions

Why does South Coast Stars fundraise?

South Coast Stars is recognized as a 501(c)3 public charity. Our organization runs 100% on 1) donations, 2) fundraising, and 3) membership dues. All proceeds directly benefit our dancers, through parties/team bonding events, gifts, scholarships and much more.

I thought I already paid for my dancer’s Booster Membership? 

Yes, you did! Member Dues of $65 per dancer ($35 per 2nd dancer) are included in your Program Fees billed through the studio. Boosters receive $60 per dancer ($30 per 2nd dancer). These funds are used for programs and tangible items that directly benefit the dancers (season gift for each dancer, team kick off party, birthday treat for each dancer, welcome gift for new members, Big/Little program).

So why do I need to raise more money? 

South Coast Stars applied for nonprofit status in part to utilize a broader range of fundraising programs to offset the cost of certain elements of the competitive program:

1. Showcase Venue: The Showcase used to be held in the studio on a weeknight, only for dancers and faculty. By raising funds to rent a full theater venue, every comp team dancer is able to experience a full dress rehearsal on a real stage with lighting and sound prior to their first competition. And as a bonus there is space for family and friends to view the ‘performance.’
2. Welcome Party: This season we were able to offset the ticket price of the party by $10/dancer. We would love to raise enough to make the Welcome Party completely free for all the comp team dancers every season.
3. End of Year Banquet: This season we really want to step up our game and turn the year end celebration into a big event for the dancers. They work so hard all season long and we want to give them a fun, fancy, dress-up night with SCPA staff/faculty including photos, dinner and dessert, presentations and a slideshow commemorating the season, etc. Each comp team dancer will have a free ticket to the event, and additional tickets for family would be available for purchase.

What does South Coast Stars do with the money raised from the Rummage Sale, Dinner Nights, Recycling, Yearbook sales, etc?

Funds raised from these programs are used for some of the other boring costs associated with running a non-profit (admin fees, website, Venmo/Paypal fees, tax filing, accounting, etc.) as well as Teacher Appreciation Week, yearbook production, headshot wall photos, and prop transportation.

Are donations made directly to South Coast Stars tax deductible?

Yes, they are!

If I make a donation to South Coast Stars, is corporate matching allowed?

Yes! Many companies allow for corporate matching, South Coast Stars will provide a receipt for tax purposes.