The Role of Suggested Donations
If you’ve attended a concert by The Menomonie Singers, you’ve likely noticed the “suggested donation” basket and the mention of a suggested amount on our marketing materials.
But what exactly is a suggested donation? Why do we ask for it? And how is that money used?
What Is It?
A suggested donation is just that – an amount we recommend per concert attendee. Unlike a ticketed event, it’s not mandatory. This amount reflects what we believe is the value of the concert experience. However, we’ve chosen not to sell tickets for several reasons, the most important being our commitment to making music accessible to the community. By using a suggested donation model, we open the doors to a wider audience, regardless of financial means.
Why Do We Ask for It?
The Menomonie Singers is a nonprofit organization, and we rely on the generosity of our audience to sustain our work. While our singers contribute dues, a large portion of our budget comes from sponsors and concert donations.
These contributions are essential to keeping our music alive and thriving.
What Is It Used For?
You might be wondering, “But you’re just a choir, what do you need money for? Don’t people just show up and sing?”
It’s a fair question, but the reality is that we’re still an organization that needs funds to operate.
Yes, our singers enjoy the simplicity of showing up and singing, and our board is volunteer based. But behind the scenes, there are many costs involved in producing each season. We purchase new music, pay our director and rehearsal accompanist, and compensate any guest musicians—like the ensemble that joined us for Vivaldi’s Requiem in Spring 2025. There are also general operational expenses that come with running any organization.
Why It Matters
Your donations help us continue to bring high-quality choral music to the greater Menomonie area. They allow us to dream bigger, perform more ambitiously, and reach more people. When you give, you’re not just supporting a concert—you’re giving back to the music itself.
So, thank you for honoring the suggested donation amounts. Your support ensures that our voices can keep singing, season after season.
The Menomonie Singers 