Foundation launches Renaissance Festival ticket sales, grant program

During the first year of the festival partnership in 2011, 10 participating nonprofit organizations received $8,000 in proceeds from ticket sales. The funds are used to expand the services and missions of local nonprofits organizations in the community, Miller said.

"The second year [of the partnership in 2012] we had over 15 organizations and netted over $12,000," Miller said. "Last year, there were 17 organizations, and we netted almost $16,000 in a two-week period of time. It's a great way to raise funds."

Last year, the Magnolia West High School swimming and diving team sold the most tickets and received the highest amount of proceeds with $2,400, she said.

In addition, the foundation is launching its inaugural grant program this year and will distribute up to $5,000 to local nonprofit organizations, with more funds anticipated in the coming years, Miller said. The grant application process involves presenting a budget and photos detailing the need for the requested funds, she said.

"We want everybody applying for this grant to know we're going to make sure the money gets spent where it's supposed to be spent, and we're also going to make sure the organization is a nonprofit," Miller said.

To further benefit the grant program, the nonprofit organizations will also be selling tickets over the next few weeks to the VIP grand opening of the new King Midas' Masquerade Ball Oct. 4 at the Renaissance Festival, Miller said. For a fee of $175 per couple, 300 attendees will be able to take part in a five-course dinner, alcoholic beverages and entertainment in a new $1 million facility. After the VIP event, the masquerade ball will be held Saturdays during the festival for a reduced price.

Ticket sales for the VIP masquerade ball are projected to raise $15,000 for additional nonprofit organization grants next year, Miller said.

For more information on the Texas Renaissance Festival, visit www.texrenfest.com.

Upcoming deadlines

Sept. 8–19: Sales open for discounted Renaissance Festival tickets

Sept. 23: Registration forms and ticket sales due

Sept. 27: Participating nonprofit organizations receive funding from ticket proceeds at 5:30 p.m. during the Stroll Through the Renaissance event in Sullivan Park at the southwest corner of FM 1488 and FM 1774

Oct. 15: Grant application due

Oct. 20: Magnolia Community Foundation board of directors selects grant recipients and funding amounts

Oct. 22: Grant recipients are notified

Dec. 13: Selected nonprofit organizations receive grant funding at 7 p.m. at Magnolia High School during the Miss Magnolia Pageant