The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE is a symbol of the Deaf community, celebrating Deaf life. It is a public forum both historical and forward-looking, providing education, culture, visual and performing arts. A project of the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf, it will feature a museum, art gallery, gift shop, research and archives. It showcases state-of-the-art visually rich technology highlighting Deaf historical artifacts, literature, sports, ASL/LSQ interactive website/television and multimedia production studio. Located in Toronto’s Historic Arts, Culture and Entertainment Distillery District, the centre will provide programs, permanent and travelling exhibits, school tours as well as a virtual museum and distance workshops.

Mandate
The Deaf Culture Centre is a convergence point for Deaf and hearing people to immerse themselves creatively within Deaf Culture. It is a unique, evolving place that is open and welcomeing to all. It will push Deaf culture forward into the world in a new way where old assumptions are challenged. The Centre will be receptive and open to all cultures but its primary function is to enrich and elevate the achievements of the Deaf community for all the world to understand and appreciate. It will preserve language and history while continually exploring new technologies and ideas. It looks to the past to uncover the future so it can speak to the present in a fresh and exciting way. The areas of concentration are performing arts, language, literature, visual arts and heritage resources. The Centre encourages new and developing forms of creativity, research, participation and interest in all areas of Deaf culture.

Building a “Lighthouse” Together
Our changing community and the larger world offer new opportunities and challenges each year. In 1973 we began by kindling an organization - the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD). At present, CCSD is illuminating Deaf Culture through its programming and resource materials and in the future CCSD will be a “lighthouse” celebrating Deaf life! By establishing the Deaf Culture Centre, CCSD will draw people together to celebrate Deaf life from around the globe!

Choose your contribution level

BENEFACTORS
The Deaf Culture Centre gratefully acknowledges individuals who have given $100,000.00 or more during their lifetime. CCSD acknowledges the great leadership and commitment of these individuals in ensuring the establishment of the Deaf Culture Centre.

LEGACY LEADERS
The Deaf Culture Centre gratefully acknowledges individuals who have given $25,000.00 or more during their lifetime. CCSD acknowledges the great leadership and commitment of these individuals in ensuring the establishment of the Deaf Culture Centre.

FOUNDERS’ Circle
$1,000.00 or more per individual donated before the Opening Celebration, May 13, 2006 will be recognized as the founders. CCSD gratefully acknowledges those donors for their key role in ensuring that the Deaf Culture Centre becomes a reality.

Women of Action Circle
$5,000.00 or more

Diamond Circle
$5,000.00 or more

Gold Circle
$2,500.00 - $4,999.00

Silver Circle
$2,000 - $2,499.00

Bronze Circle
$1,000 – $1,999.00

ORGANIZATIONS’ Circle
Organizations play a key role in the Deaf community and they recognize the importance of leaving a legacy and preserving history for years to come.

INTERPRETERS Circle
Recognizing the contributions of ASL-English Interpreters who generously support the Deaf Community, its culture and heritage.

Platinum Contributor
$1000.00 – suggested for careers of greater than 20 years

Gold Contributor
$500.00 – suggested for 15 to 20 year careers

Silver Contributor
$250.00 – suggested for 5 to 15 year careers

Bronze Contributor
$100.00 –suggested for careers less than 5 years.


1974 VISIONARIES
Our gratitude to the first donors in 1974 who dreamed of this reality

COMMUNITY KEYS SOCIETY
Extended to individuals who donate up to $500.00.

Platinum Keys
$500.00 each

Golden Keys
$200 -$499.00

Silver Keys
$100 each

Bronze Keys
$20-$50 each

FORREST NICKERSON SOCIETY
For those who donate on an annual basis. We gratefully acknowledge individuals who pledge annually for as long as the Deaf Culture Centre is open.

Naming Opportunities
The Deaf Culture Centre expresses its gratitude for significant contributions by listing appropriate recognition through a variety of named giving opportunities. Your name, company’s name, or the name of someone you wish to honor can be appropriately recognized.
Between $25,000.00 and $500,000.00

Gifts Made in Memorial and Honour
The Deaf Culture Centre extends condolences to those whose loved ones pass away and honours their loved ones. CCSD recognizes these important contributions and will acknowledge gifts in memory or in honour of loved ones for generations to come.

Consider a planned gift today!
The Forrest Nickerson ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN AND ANNUAL GIVING
Goal - $10,000,000.00

Projected position for the future:
One of the best ways to assure the continuing excellence of the Deaf Culture Centre is to contribute to the Endowment Fund. The Fund provides income for the operating funds and for unforeseen expenditures that are not part of regular programming.

What is an Endowment Fund?
Essentially, an endowment fund is one in which the base amount (the original donations and their value) is never spent. Donations are received, receipted and deposited in a fund with the explicit understanding of the donor that the original funds will be preserved. Gifts are placed in this specially designated fund and only the annual interest is available to maintain the operations of the Deaf Culture Centre. This fund is invested under the watchful eye of the Board of Directors. All donations for the endowment will be listed in this category. Your donation will always remain there.

We invite you to take part
in the making of history!

I believe in being involved
    I believe I have something to contribute
        The making of history,
            a milestone in Deaf history
                and leaving a legacy ...

INVEST in the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE!

To discuss a private donation and/or your wishes, please contact us: