Spending Money for Culture
Everyone making a $10 purchase in metro-Denver pays a penny tax that goes for culture, science and arts organizations through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD).
The majority of the funds, (65.1%) go to the five very large organizations known as Tier I and a very small amount (13.6%) is shared among 250 small organizations known as Tier III.
In the past that ratio was fair, but no longer. The Tier III’s now have 33% of the attendance at their events, a full third, yet receive less than 14% of the funding.
The Tier III’s are also the best way for these tax pennies to come back to the average citizen:
- Ticket prices are less expensive (if not free)
- There is usually free parking
- These venues offer more individuals the enjoyment of participation (as a musician, actor or leading science field trips, all to enhance their life, and the lives of others in our community).
This Tier III is also the only part of SCFD that has organization of color with missions to promote that culture through educational programs and events. Plus – the Tier III’s are in every county and town and provide school programs everywhere.
In 2016 voters will be asked again to reauthorize SCFD. In previous years it has had great support by voters. But the current recommendation to SCFD from its Task Force is to increase Tier III funds to maybe 15.7% by 2030, not immediately and only if the economy is great. They also recommend that new organizations need to be in operation for 5 years, compared to the current 3 year waiting period, that organization have a budget exceeding $25,000. Both of these changes will be a dramatic cut to the abilities of small cultural organization in metro Denver to thrive.
SCFD has asked for comments from the community.
PLEASE let the SCFD Board of Directors know that you, the voters, have spoken through your large attendance numbers at Tier III events and programs and that they need to match funding for these organizations to at least 20%.
Send your letter to comment@scfd.org or SCFD, 899 Logan ST., Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203 by May 20 so members of the SCFD board will receive your letter at their May meeting.
AND join us on May 28 at the SCFD Board Meeting at the Denver Art Museum, 1pm, in support of Tier III’s requesting more funds and fewer obstacles to SCFD. Bring all your friends too.
More info:
In 2014 SCFD raised $52,059,245 for area cultural and scientific organizations.
A list of SCFD funded organizations is on SCFD.org
The self reported attendance for 2013:
Tier I 5,178,916
Tier II 4,033,612
Tier III 4,472,802
13,685,330
Sir, I was surprised at your statistcs on attendance that 33% of attendance for culturals is now tier 3. SInce reported attendance for only the top 2, dmns & zoo, has exceeded 3 Million per year, I would be most appreciative on source of your statistics. If tier 3 culturals have risen so much in appeal, attendance we certainly should investigate.
Hi, Maryann. The statistics come from SCFD which requires all grant recipients to provide annual attendance numbers in final grant reports as a condition of receiving the grant. In Boulder County alone, we have over 60 Tier III organizations.
Hi Maryann,
The numbers have been internally reported at SCFD stakeholders meetings. All SCFD organizations are required to report attendance which is interpreted by the SCFD staff and the CBCA. According to the 2013 SCFD annual report, the 3 million includes all organizations http://scfd.org/graphics/uploads/Files/annual_report/2014%20SCFD%20AR%20FINAL.pdf , not just tier i. The CBCA info can be found http://cbca.org/programs/economic-activities-study/