Why Give

You many wonder, “Why should I give to Jazz at Wesley?” After all, there’s always a lot of people in the audience and we charge an entry fee. Many people assume that National United Methodist Church makes money from Jazz at Wesley. It does not. Below we outline how Jazz at Wesley’s finances work.

We keep our ticket prices artificially low because we believe the arts should be affordable for everyone. Many of the renowned bands we bring to Jazz at Wesley perform at other venues — like Blues Alley — for double, sometimes triple, what we charge. We also believe that musicians should be paid an honorable rate for their time and talent.

Because of these dual missions, our ticket sales cover only part of our expenses. After paying for the musicians, a sound engineer, and our producer, we run a deficit for each show.

This deficit has only increased due to the pandemic. In fact, Jazz at Wesley for the past few years has been subsidized by the generosity of National United Methodist Church.

Our goal in 2023 is to become financially independent once again. We also plan to increase payments to our musicians in 2023 (inflation hits them too). We are accomplishing this in two ways: through a small rise in ticket prices and through soliciting grants and donations.

That’s where you come in. This holiday season, for the first time, we are asking for gifts to help support our wonderful neighborhood music program.

Please use the buttons below to donate today.

Thank you for your continued support of Jazz at Wesley.

For check donations, make checks payable to National United Methodist Church and write “Donation to Jazz at Wesley” in the memo line. Mail checks to: NUMC, 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016.

We also accept cash donations. A donation box is located at the ticket desk during live performances.

Wesley Campus, National United Methodist Church
5312 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20015 | Map and Directions