APPLICANT INFORMATION:
NAME (INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION): Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus ADDRESS: PO Box 4082
CITY: Palm Springs STATE: CAR ZIP: 92263
CONTACT PERSON: David Schaeffer TITLE: Board of Directors / Development Chair TELEPHONE: EMAIL:
ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT OR CHAIR (IF APPLICABLE): Joe Nelson, President of Board of Directors (Legal authority for organization)
IF NON-PROFIT, INCLUDE 501(c)3 number: FEIN 33-0878639
PROGRAM / SERVICE / EVENT INFORMATION:
GRANT AMOUNT REQUESTED Minimum $250 Maximum $5,000: $5,000 TOTAL PROGRAM / SERVICE / EVENT/ART COST: $12,000
Program/Service/Event Period or Date From: 07/01/26 To:
6/30/27
Funding must be expended by 6/20/2026)
Describe How The Requested Funds Will Be Used: (Include artistic concept, intended audience, community engagement strategies. Do you have community partners that will be involved in implementing this project? If so, please list along with their roles).
Artistic Concept: In Spring 2027, the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus (PSGMC) will present "BOOGIE SHOES," a disco-themed production at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheatre. With a program that includes music by ABBA, Donna Summer and the Bee Gees, the show features a signature dance floor at the stage's edge to encourage immersive audience participation.
- (Continued on attached document.)
Budget: (Provide a comprehensive budget for your project. Budget should include total grant funds requested, all project expenses including artist fees, materials, installation costs, rentals, advertising, travel costs. Do you have other funding that will be leveraged/used with these funds? If so, please include.) INCOME
$5,000 Cathedral City grant
$3,000 Sponsorship of Venue - donation TBD
$2,000 PSGMC contribution to costs
$2,000 Pay What You Can Proceeds
$12,000 TOTAL INCOME -> (Continued on attached document.) Since 1999, the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus (PSGMC) has served as a cultural cornerstone of the Coachella Valley. Our mission is to entertain, inspire, and educate
3. through musical excellence and civic responsibility. As the "Official Gay Men's Chorus of the City of Palm Springs, "we have spent 25+ years using the arts to advocate for social equity and community wellness. -> (Continued on attached document.) Timeline: (Provide a timeline outlining key project milestones and activities from conception to completion.) *April 2026: Meet with Cathedral City Community Amphitheatre staff to determine cost of concert; Submit City grant request.
*May 2026: Include this event in PSGMC's annual budgeting process for 2026-27. Secure contract with the Amphitheatre for the event.
*June 2026: Budget adoption; Secure donor to pay for venue rental fee. *Fall 2026: Work with City marketing team to begin promoting the concert. - (Continued on attached document.)
What Do You Ultimately Hope To Accomplish Through Your Proposed Art/Program/Event? How Will It Enrich Cathedral City? (Describe your goals and objectives and how many people you hope to impact as a result of your project.)
Through "BOOGIE SHOES,"our goal is to foster community cohesion and joy by transforming a public space into a vibrant, inclusive hub. We aim to achieve three primary
5. objectives:
1. Remove Economic Barriers: Our "pay-what-you-can" model ensures high-quality performing arts are accessible to all Cathedral City residents, especially families.
2. Foster Intergenerational Connection: The disco-themed program and interactive dance floor create a unique environment where seniors, families, and youth engage in a shared cultural experience. -> (Continued on attached document.) If Your Art/Program/Event Costs More Than You Are Requesting From The Community Arts Grant Program, How Do You Plan To Pay For The Additional Costs? (What Steps Have You Already Taken To Get Additional Funds Or In- Kind Support If Necessary?)
Included in our budget plan is an anticipated donation to cover the cost of the Amphitheatre
6. rental. We are confident we will find an individual or organization willing to be a show sponor for this amount. Our list of dedicated donors is significant, and we are fortunate to have major donors who sponsor important activities like this. In the event that a donation cannot be cultivated, the Chorus' strong financial position allows us to cover any shortfalls. A portion of the costs will be covered by Pay-What-You-Can admission at the door.
Do You Plan To Continue This Art/Program/Event Beyond The Period For Which You Have Requested The Funds? If So, How Do You Plan To Continue Paying For It? (Describe the types of efforts you will undertake to raise funds as well as vour/vour organization's history of maintaining services/programs.) Our hope is that a Spring encore performance of our mainstage concert could become an annual event. We hope to develop a partnership with the City of Cathedral City, bringing our brand of high-quality, professional-level concerts to the families of Cathedral City.
7. Using the first year as a template and using the lessons learned, we feel confident that we have the resources and willing sponsors to grow the event into something people really look forward to each Spring. -> (Continued on attached document.) (OPTIONAL) Is There Anything That You Would Like To Add? If So, Please Tell Us Here:
What makes this proposal truly special is that for many of us, this isn't just a venue-it's home. Our Artistic Director, Jerry R. Soria-Foust, is a proud Cathedral City resident raising his family here. His vision is to transform the Community Amphitheater into a destination for music and theatre, establishing an annual tradition that families look forward to year after
8. year. We see a perfect alignment between PSGMC's mission and Cathedral City's passionate promotion of arts and culture. --> (Continued on attached document.) *Attachments may be included with your submission. If including photos, files can be no larger than 20 mb.
To be considered for funding, a complete application must be submitted by:
Hard copies - postmarked by Friday, April 24, 2026
Electronic copies - received by 5:00 pm on Friday August 24, 2026 Electronic submittal is preferred
Questions: Please email [email protected] or call Anne Ambrose, Public Arts Commission Liaison at (760) 770-0331.
(1) Describe How The Requested Funds Will Be Used: (Include artistic concept, intended audience, community engagement strategies. Do you have community partners that will be involved in implementing this project? If so, please list along with their roles). (Answer continued from application form.)
Audience Engagement: This all-ages event targets Cathedral City's diverse residents. We will use a"pay-what-you-can" model to ensure radical accessibility.
Hosting the event downtown transforms a public landmark into a vibrant hub of civic pride and inclusivity.
Community Partners: We hope that our major community partner will be the city of Cathedral City through the use of its amphitheatre. If this partnership does not work out this time, we are prepared to go to one of our many business or nonprofit partners to make this concert a reality. The Chorus is proud that we have dozens of local entities who support our programming through program ad purchases, collaborations, advertising, and show sponsorship.
Use of Funds: The $5,000 grant covers essential production costs:
•Professional sound reinforcement and stage lighting.
•Professional live instrumentalists and production staff. •Rental and installation of the signature dance floor.
By funding these technical needs, the City enables PSGMC to direct event donations toward our broader mission of musical excellence and outreach, including support of its George Zander Anti-Bullying Program for Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs.
(2) Budget: ( Provide a comprehensive budget for your project. Budget should include total grant funds requested, all project expenses including artist fees, materials, installation costs, rentals, advertising, travel costs. Do you have other funding that will be leveraged/used with these funds? If so, please include.)
(Answer continued from application form.)
EXPENSES
$3,000 Estimated Venue rental
$750 PSGMC Marketing costs
$1,500 Instrumentalists × 5
$2,400 Sound & Lighting reinforcement costs
$2,000 Dance floor
$700 Sound Operator daily fee
$700 Lighting Operator daily fee
$950 Stage Mgr & Crew Additional
$12,000 TOTAL EXPENSES
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Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus: * Arts Grant Application Responses Continued (3) Briefly Describe Your/Your Organization's Background. (Describe your/your organization's background and experience. Provide examples of any relevant work, images, or links to online portfolios that have relevance to the project being proposed. Describe your/your organization's capacity to execute the proposed activities.)
(Answer continued from application form.)
Experience & Impact: PSGMC has a proven track record of successful community engagement, including:
• Civic Advocacy: Our George Zander Memorial Anti-Bullying Program provides financial support annually to local GS school clubs. We lend our voice and support to the annual Rainbow Youth Summit in Palm Desert.
• Community Performance: A mainstay at Greater Palm Springs Pride and regional festivals, we were named "Organization of the Year" in 2016. We also appear at Martha's Village Turkey Trot and the Tour de Palm Springs every year.
• Philanthropy: We lead consistent school supply, toys and toiletries donation drives for Martha's Village and the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, as well as the Trans Wellness Center. (4) Timeline: (Provide a timeline outlining key project milestones and activities from conception to completion.)
(Answer continued from application form.)
• *January 2027: Rehearsals for "Boogie Shoes - The Disco Show" begin. Staffing for the event is secured, contractors in place. Producer, Stage Manager and Artistic Director begin working on scheduling and logistics of the show.
• *April 24, 2027 @ 7:30pm: Encore presentation of PSGMC's "BOOGIE SHOES - THE DISCO SHOW" at Cathedral City Community Amphitheatre.
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(5) What Do You Ultimately Hope To Accomplish Through Your Proposed Art/Program/Event? How Will It Enrich Cathedral City? (Describe your goals and objectives and how many people you hope to impact as a result of your project.)
(Answer continued from application form)
3. Advocate for Youth Safety: We aim to raise awareness and funds for PSGMC and its George Zander Anti-Bullying Program, which nurtures safe school environments through GSA clubs.
Enrichment & Impact: This event enriches Cathedral City by celebrating diversity and addressing a critical social need: the well-being of local students. We anticipate a direct impact on 500 to 800 attendees through the live performance. The secondary impact extends much further; proceeds help sustain our annual support to GSA clubs within PSUSD, DSUSD, and CVUSD. By supporting this project, Cathedral City invests in a high-energy cultural landmark that provides immediate entertainment while building a lasting legacy of safety and inclusion for hundreds of local youth. Furthermore, by as Gay Men's Chorus * Arts Grant Application Responses Continued • =
bringing"BOOGIE SHOES" to the heart of downtown, we aren't just staging a concert; we are activating a public space, driving foot traffic to local businesses, and celebrating the vibrant diversity that defines Cathedral City.
(7) Do You Plan To Continue This Art/Program/Event Beyond The Period For Which You Have Requested The Funds? If So, How Do You Plan To Continue Paying For It? (Describe the types of efforts you will undertake to raise funds as well as your/your organization's history of maintaining services/programs.)
(Answer continued from application form.)
The Chorus has a track record of high-quality productions, dedicated staff and volunteers, and financial strength that would allow us to take-on this new initiative on an annual basis. (8) (OPTIONAL) is There Anything That You Would Like To Add? If So, Please Tell Us Here:
(Answer continued from application form.)
Attached to this application, you will find our most recent financials, highlights from our past performances, and a letter of support from our partners at Martha's Village and Kitchen. We also have included a letter of support from former Cathedral City city manager Charlie McClendon, now a singing member of PSGMC. We are eager to partner with the Arts Commission to bring this high-energy, high-impact celebration to our neighbors and friends in Cathedral City. Together, we can make the Amphitheater a beacon of joy, inclusion, and artistic excellence.
Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus * Arts Grant Application Responses Continued PSCMC
ALM SPRING.
HORI
2025/26
Budget
Administration Holiday Spring Cabaret Total
Income 214,900 | 109,340 111,340 20,000 455,580
Expenses 234,450 | 103,100|| 103,950| 13,500 455,000
Result (19,550) 6,240|| 7,390| 6,500 580
2024/25
Results
Administration Holiday Spring Cabaret Total
Income 240,280 98,218 99,120 19,885 457,503
Expenses 216,799 || 87,751|| 126,716| 12,096 443,362
Result 23,481| 10,467(27,596)|| 7,789 14,141
2024/25
Budget
Administration Holiday Spring Cabaret Total
Income 179,800 92,850 92,850| 30,000 395,500
Expenses 186,579 || 82,800 || 108,500 || 16,200 394,079 PSGMC PO Box 4082, Palm Springs, CA 92263, (760) 219-2077, [email protected] Martha's
VILLAGE & KITCHEN
Dear Members of the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus,
I am writing on behalf of Martha's Village & Kitchen to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering generosity and support towards our organization.
Your dedication to making a difference in the community is truly admirable and has had a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. As a nonprofit organization, public support is essential to our mission, and the support we have received from the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus has been invaluable. Your ongoing commitment to our cause has made a significant difference in the lives of many families and individuals in need.
We are especially grateful for the extraordinary toy drive that the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus organizes for the children residing in our shelter each year. Your toy drive not only brings immense joy to the children who receive the gifts, but also provides a sense of relief to the parents who may be experiencing hardship and are unable to provide the Christmas they desire for their little ones. This act of generosity enables them to create cherished memories for their children, fostering a sense of warmth and gratitude during the holiday season.
Additionally, your participation in our Thanksgiving Day 5K event and the beautiful rendition of the National Anthem have not only enhanced our fundraising efforts but have also garnered positive media attention and admiration from our participants.
The impact of your support goes beyond material donations; it brings hope, joy, and a sense of community to those who need it most. Martha's Village & Kitchen is truly thankful for the partnership we have with the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus and we look forward to many more years of collaboration and making our Valley a better place together.
Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication to our cause. Your generosity is truly making a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Warm regards,
Alexandra Vargas
Development Marketing & Communications Officer
Martha's Village & Kitchen
Martha's Village & Kitchen | 83791 Date Avenue, Indio, CA 92201 | (760) 347-4741 | www.MarthasVillage.org April 15, 2026
Anne Ambrose, Assistant City Manager
Members of the Cathedral City Public Arts Commission
Dear Anne and Commissioners:
It is my privilege to submit this letter of support for the grant application of the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus to the Cathedral City Arts Grants program. I have been a member of the PSGMC myself since moving to Cathedral City in 2014. Although the chorus is based in Palm Springs as our name indicates, many chorus members, including our Artistic Director, Jerry Soria-Foust, are Cathedral City residents.
The goals of the Cathedral City Arts Commission and your grant program align closely with the PSGMC mission, which is To Entertain, Inspire and Educate through our music and productions. PSGMC desires to be a partner with the Public Arts Commission as you seek to make Cathedral City a creative and artistic hub and enrich your residents' quality of life through arts and cultural experiences accessible to all. One of the chorus' goals is to bring high-quality artistic work to wider audiences. This year alone we performed for Martha's Village, Palm Springs Pride, DAP Health, AIDS Walk, Cathedral City LGBTQ+ Days, Trans Pride and more. Most recently we provided a free concert last week at the Rancho Mirage Library and the venue was standing room only.
When the chorus performed our holiday concert at the Plaza Theater this past December, all three shows were sold out (2100 total tickets) and I personally, along with all the chorus members, greeted our concert guests after the show. I was thrilled to see many attendees from my neighborhood and people I knew from across Cathedral City. PSGMS truly is an arts organization for the entire region. We even did an event in Riverside in December as well.
You can rest assured that PSGMC will provide all required reporting on our uses of the grant funds. Our organization takes great pride in our strong financial position and our commitment to financial transparency and being good stewards of our earned and donated funds. We are governed by a board of directors comprised not only of chorus members but others from the community who share our commitment to excellence and integrity.
In closing, let me reiterate my support for the PSGMC grant application. We look forward to the opportunity to bring more high-quality choral performances and production value to the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Charlie McClendon
PSGMC Member and Cathedral City Resident