Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
Columbus Gay Men's Chorus is a Columbus, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit choral organization founded in 1990 that serves the LGBTQIA+ community and broader Central Ohio audiences through four ensembles performing concerts, sacred music, and private events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersColumbus, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus does
Columbus Gay Men's Chorus (CGMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization founded in January 1990 in Columbus, Ohio. Its stated mission is to foster recognition, understanding, and acceptance of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community through vocal music performances at the highest possible standard of quality. CGMC operates four distinct choral ensembles: The Full Chorus, the primary non-auditioned TTBB (tenor, baritone, bass) ensemble of adult singers performing three mainstage concerts per season (Holiday, Spring, Summer); Illuminati, a non-auditioned sacred music ensemble debuting in 2001 and performing monthly at religious institutions across Central Ohio; Vox, an auditioned 14-18 singer ensemble that performs at weddings, memorials, corporate events, and fundraisers; and The Columbus Queerscendos, a youth ensemble for singers aged 13-17 launched in 2023. CGMC has welcomed 1,003+ singing members and produced 99 concert productions since 1990.
The organization's revenue model spans six streams: individual tax-deductible donations, ticket sales (distributed via the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts ticketing system), corporate and community sponsorships, merchandise sales through an online store, planned giving/legacy gifts via the Crescendo Fund endowment at The Columbus Foundation (established 2006), and Vox performance fees. CGMC charges no dues to singing members and removes financial barriers to participation. Distribution channels include CAPA ticketing for mainstage venues (Lincoln Theatre, Riffe Center), direct phone/email booking for Vox private events, and monthly outreach to religious institutions for Illuminati. The chorus is a member of GALA Choruses (8 festival attendances since 1992), operates a Choral Conducting Intern Program in partnership with The Ohio State University (launched 2022), and is governed by a Board of Directors under President Joseph Olson, with Managing Artistic Director Jared Brayton Bollenbacher leading a small professional staff of 8 employees.
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
- Legal name
- Columbus Gay Men's Chorus
- Website
- https://cgmc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1990
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Columbus Gay Men's Chorus is a Columbus, Ohio-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit choral organization founded in 1990 that serves the LGBTQIA+ community and broader Central Ohio audiences through four ensembles performing concerts, sacred music, and private events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts / Choral Music
- NAICS
- Musical Groups and Artists (71113), Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)
Keywords
Where Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Columbus
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting the organization's mission of fostering recognition and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ community members through vocal music performances. Donations go to operating fund.
- Ticket Sales: Revenue from concert performances including holiday, spring, and summer concerts at various venues including Lincoln Theatre and Riffe Center.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Support from corporate and community sponsors who commit to the organization's mission. Includes recognition on website and at performances.
- Merchandise Sales: Sales of official CGMC merchandise through their online store.
- Planned Giving/Estate Planning: Legacy gifts through planned giving and estate planning, managed in partnership with the Columbus Foundation.
- Vox Performance Fees: The auditioned ensemble Vox accepts fees for performing at weddings, memorials, corporate events, fundraisers, and private events.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | General Admission Tickets |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CGMC is a nonprofit choral performing arts organization that delivers live vocal music concerts and ensemble performances for the LGBTQIA+ community and general audiences in Central Ohio. Its primary product is a three-concert mainstage season (Holiday, Spring, Summer) performed by the Full Chorus, complemented by ancillary ensembles (Illuminati sacred music, Vox auditioned ensemble for private events, and The Columbus Queerscendos youth ensemble). The organization sells concert tickets, merchandise, and paid Vox performance services, and is sustained by donations and corporate sponsorships.
Product overview
Columbus Gay Men's Chorus (CGMC) is a nonprofit performing arts organization founded in January 1990, operating as a volunteer choral ensemble. The organization consists of four distinct musical offerings: The Full Chorus (the main ensemble performing three concerts per season), Illuminati (a sacred music ensemble performing at religious institutions), Vox (an auditioned small ensemble for more frequent performances), and The Columbus Queerscendos (a youth ensemble for ages 13-17). The organization also runs a Choral Conducting Intern Program for university students. CGMC's mission focuses on fostering recognition, understanding, and acceptance of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community through vocal music performances at the highest possible standard of quality.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Illuminati: A non-auditioned sacred music ensemble that performs at religious institutions and events throughout central Ohio, serving as a bridge between the LGBTQIA+ and religious communities. Named after the Latin expression meaning 'the enlightened.'
- Vox
- The Columbus Queerscendos
Products and services
- The Full Chorus Concert Season
- Illuminati Sacred Music Ensemble
- Vox Auditioned Ensemble (Private Event Bookings)
- The Columbus Queerscendos Youth Ensemble
- Official CGMC Merchandise
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 1,003 singing members welcomed since 1990
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC)coreCommunity sponsor providing support for CGMC's mission of increasing awareness of and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. GCAC is the regional arts council for Central Ohio.
- Ohio Arts CouncilcoreState arts council providing organizational support and funding for arts programming in Ohio.
- The Columbus FoundationcoreCommunity foundation sponsor that manages CGMC's Crescendo Fund endowment. Provides planned giving and estate planning partnership.
- Columbus City CouncilsupportingMunicipal government body providing generous support and recognition for CGMC's community contributions.
- SOJO HomessupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Envisage WealthsupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Morgan StanleysupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Crane GroupsupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Grange InsurancesupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Nth DegreesupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- BBI AccountingsupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Key RealtysupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- First CommandsupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Mill Run Vision CentersupportingCorporate sponsor supporting CGMC's mission and community work.
- Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA)coreTicketing partner that sells tickets for CGMC mainstage performances at venues including Riffe Center and Lincoln Theatre.
- GALA ChorusescoreNational LGBTQ+ choral organization. CGMC has attended eight GALA Festivals since 1992. CGMC's Artistic Director serves on the GALA Choruses board.
- The Ohio State UniversitysupportingUniversity partner for choral conducting intern program. Multiple staff members (Jordan Saul, Gabriel Gonzales) have connections to OSU.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Seattle Men's Chorus: Part of Seattle Choruses, a GALA-affiliated men's chorus with multiple ensembles and a long history of community-based programming. Directly comparable structure to CGMC with broader scale.
- Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus: Atlanta-based LGBTQ+ men's chorus with mainstage concerts, outreach, and community programming. Comparable size and structure to CGMC within the GALA Choruses network.
- Heartland Men's Chorus: Kansas City-based gay men's chorus and a member of GALA Choruses. Mid-size regional LGBTQ+ chorus with similar mainstage programming and community education mission to CGMC.
- New York City Gay Men's Chorus: One of the largest LGBTQ+ choral organizations in the U.S., producing mainstage concerts and community programming in a major metro. CGMC's Artistic Director previously served as Interim Artistic Director, creating direct talent and programming overlap.
- Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus: One of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ choruses in the U.S., producing mainstage concerts and outreach programming. Shares the same TTBB choral tradition and GALA Choruses affiliation as CGMC.
- San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus: Founding member of GALA Choruses and a flagship LGBTQ+ chorus. Operates multiple ensembles and community programs similar to CGMC's structure, with comparable mission of using choral performance for LGBTQ+ visibility.
- Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus: Minneapolis-St. Paul-based LGBTQ+ men's chorus and GALA Choruses member with multiple ensembles and community programming. Closest regional analog to CGMC in mission and structure.
- Windy City Performing Arts: Chicago-based LGBTQ+ performing arts organization with multiple ensembles including a men's chorus. Comparable structure, mission, and GALA Choruses affiliation to CGMC.
Others
- GALA Choruses: International network of LGBTQ+ choruses of which CGMC has been a member since 1992, attending 8 festivals. CGMC's Artistic Director serves on GALA's board, making this the umbrella peer and ecosystem anchor.
- Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA): Regional performing arts presenter that operates CGMC's mainstage venues (Riffe Center, Lincoln Theatre) and handles ticketing. Key channel partner and infrastructure enabler for CGMC's primary revenue stream.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus social profiles
Digital presenceColumbus Gay Men’s Chorus financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus
What does Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus do?
CGMC is a nonprofit choral performing arts organization that delivers live vocal music concerts and ensemble performances for the LGBTQIA+ community and general audiences in Central Ohio. Its primary product is a three-concert mainstage season (Holiday, Spring, Summer) performed by the Full Chorus, complemented by ancillary ensembles (Illuminati sacred music, Vox auditioned ensemble for private events, and The Columbus Queerscendos youth ensemble). The organization sells concert tickets, merchandise, and paid Vox performance services, and is sustained by donations and corporate sponsorships.
Is Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus a public or private company?
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus founded?
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus was founded in 1990. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus based?
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus is headquartered in Columbus, United States, in the North America region.
How does Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Individual Donations are the primary driver. The others are ticket Sales, corporate Sponsorships, merchandise Sales, planned Giving/Estate Planning and vox Performance Fees.
Who are Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Seattle Men's Chorus, Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus, Heartland Men's Chorus, New York City Gay Men's Chorus, Los Angeles Gay Men's Chorus, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus and Windy City Performing Arts. Others are GALA Choruses and Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA).
Does Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus have an API?
No public API is recorded for Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus.
What industry is Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus in?
Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus's product category is Performing Arts / Choral Music. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAHAB, Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music), with a secondary code of EDAMANAC, Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir). Its NAICS code is 71113 and its SIC code is 7900.