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SUPPORT GSA

By supporting The Governor’s School for the Arts, you are investing in the next generation of artists, innovators and community leaders. In addition to producing a fine roster of performers, the School is also educating the next generation of community leaders, out of the box thinkers and audience members. The dedication required by students at The Governor's School for the Arts serves them the rest of their lives, whatever career path they choose.

GSA impacts Hampton Roads artistically and culturally by contributing to the vitality and energy of the arts community.
Each year over 15,000 people and 2,000 school children experience a GSA production or exhibition
GSA contributes economically to the region by paying admission taxes, venue rental fees, employing teachers, designers, and support staff, and by purchasing materials from local merchants. GSA generates revenue through parking, restaurants and shopping.

Each year, our graduates garner millions of dollars in college scholarships. The Class of 2025 earned nearly $19M in scholarships!

Our students study at colleges and universities such as The Juilliard School, Cornell University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, New York University, Columbia University, Brown University, Princeton University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, James Madison University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Michigan and the Rhode Island School of Design, among others.

SEE Our major donors & granting organizations

opportunities to donate

Deborah Thorpe student assistance fund

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The Deborah Thorpe Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to students to ensure all GSA students have an equal opportunity to partake in unique, empowering educational experiences at the School. Gifts to the Fund go directly to students so they are able to participate in departmental field trips, receive needed equipment and access upper level training in the arts.

The Governor's School for the Arts Annual Fund

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Gifts to the Annual Fund help us support the departments of the School and students in a variety of ways, including materials, supplies, productions and technology. Gifts can be earmarked to Dance, Instrumental Music, Musical Theatre, Theatre & Film, Visual Arts, Vocal Music or as general support for the School.

Please indicate in the Memo Number if you would like to specify your gift to a specific Department.

Steinway fund

The Steinway 88 Keys Program gives you the opportunity to directly influence the education of GSA Instrumental Music students. By purchasing a key, your generosity will give our students the opportunity to perform with the world's most respected concert piano. $1,000 per key. Payment plans possible. Donate here.

Next Stage Expansion Campaign

The Next Stage Expansion Campaign aims to:

Increase in the student body and faculty
Expansion of GSA’s facility on Granby Street

Each winter, more than 500 students in Hampton Roads summon their courage and participate in their own personal version of “Fame”--auditioning to be accepted to attend The Governor’s School for the Arts. Unfortunately, there is room for only 110 of these ambitious and talented students. Every year, The Governor’s School for the Arts, which attracts students from the eight cities and counties of South Hampton Roads, turns away hundreds of qualified students. Now, The Governor’s School has an exciting opportunity to expand its instructional space, and with it, significantly increase enrollment and transform its impact on students, and the entire community, for decades to come.

The result of this expansion will take The Governor’s School for the Arts’ renowned arts education program to an even higher level, affording the students an experience that transcends the classroom and traditional performance venues by reaching out into the community to create an unprecedented creative energy in Norfolk.

In total, the Foundation is seeking to raise $4.1 million in the next few years to expand its footprint on Granby Street, increase its student body throughout South Hampton Roads, and significantly broaden its outreach efforts.

Expansion Campaign Information

The Governor's School

for the Arts foundation

The Governor's School for the Arts Foundation, created in 1989, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise funds for the students and programs of The Governor's School for the Arts through collaborative partnerships with individuals, businesses, foundations and local, state and federal agencies.

The Governor's School for the Arts Foundation raises funds crucial to operating an arts high school. Funds are used for student assistance, scholarships and guest artist fees, as well as computers, desks, books, musical instruments and other highly specialized equipment used by students and faculty. All gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Major projects funded by the Foundation include: