Donate

The Japanese Cultural Center & Tea House is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond by offering cultural experiences through programming. It also maintains the 3-acre Tokushima-Saginaw Friendship Garden and Awa-Saginaw-An, one of the most authentic and complete teahouses outside of Japan.

The City of Saginaw provides 50% of the funds necessary for operations. The remaining funds come from program admissions (10%) and generous contributions from donors, businesses, and organizations within the community (40%).

New! Become a Sponsor for Our Japanese Cultural Center Expansion Campaign

In September 2024, we launched a capital campaign to raise funds for a new education center building and to restore our beloved tea house and the vermillion bridge in our garden. Please see the information below. We deeply appreciate your consideration and are grateful for any amount you are willing to contribute.

Sponsorship Opportunities:
• $1,000 – 2-year mention in Tea House communications and on our web page
• $5,000 – Your name included on a permanently-installed plaque at the Cultural Center
$10,000 – Official Tea Garden fence sponsor plaque – one available
• $20,000 – Official storage room sponsor plaque – one available
• $30,000 – Official classroom sponsor plaque – one available
• $40,000 – Official pavilion sponsor plaque – one available
$50,000 – Official vermilion arch bridge sponsor plaque – one available

Japanese Cultural Center Addition Campaign

This addition project aims to create a new multi-use building on the grounds of the Japanese Cultural Center, which will increase our ability to provide cultural learning opportunities for the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond. In addition, this project will provide much needed maintenance to protect the integrity of the Tea House and Gardens for years to come.
The total estimated cost of this project is $497K. We have already raised over $200K of the necessary funds. In addition, Glastender, Inc. has generously offered to provide a 50 cents per dollar donated match up to a total of $100,000 to help us get the remaining $300K required to be fully funded.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. We truly appreciate your consideration and will gladly accept any amount you are willing to donate. Read more.

Join the Tomodachi Society

The Tomodachi (Friendship) Society is a community of people who support our mission and help sustain our operations. As a donating member, you’ll be added to our mailing list to receive updates on all Cultural Center events. Additionally, each year you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to a tea ceremony held specifically for Tomodachi Society members.

If you prefer, you may download the printable Donation PDF form and mail it along with your check or money order. 

$30 - Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Member

$50 - Ume (Plum Blossom) Member

$100 - Kiku (Chrysanthemum) Member

Other Donation Amount

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