SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES
Frequently Asked Questions

How can my agency start receiving tickets from CATS?
Why does my agency have to pay a processing fee?
Are there scholarships or reduced processing fees available for my agency?
Is there charge for each ticket?
How do I find out about events?
After I apply, when can I start requesting tickets for my agency?
Why should I join CATS if my agency can get tickets on our own?
What if we don’t show up for an event we’ve requested tickets to?
Does CATS sell or offer discounted tickets?
How much notice will my agency have regarding tickets for a particular event?
Does CATS provide transportation to events?

How can my agency start receiving tickets from CATS?
All of the agencies that receive tickets from CATS submit a 2-page application and pay an annual processing fee ranging from $300-$375 based on the agency’s annual budget and the number of sites.

Why does my agency have to pay a processing fee?
CATS is funded by Bay Area community donations and the fees paid by our participating agencies. The processing fee assessed to our agencies represents less than 0.1% of a $1 million agency's annual budget and covers just a fraction of the costs required for CATS to operate and distribute tickets.

Paying the annual processing fee ensures that CATS stays open and your agency receives tickets. Agencies can see the benefit of joining CATS after just one event. For example, just 10 tickets to the San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker at $30 a ticket is $300. CATS offers cultural events like these to our agencies every week!

Are there scholarships or reduced processing fees available for my agency?
CATS has a unique funding structure: Our revenue is more than 60% self generated. For this reason, CATS is unable to wave or offer discounted processing fees. Because CATS is not a direct service provider, we are not eligible to receive funds from the city and other sources that other agencies are granted. Agency processing fees enable the CATS staff to continue working hard to put tickets into the hands of your agency’s clients. We can assure agencies that the value of received tickets far exceeds the amount of the processing fee.

Is there charge for each ticket?
NO. The annual processing fee is the only fee paid.

How do I find out about events?
CATS has an event audio hotline that is updated daily. Those agencies with internet capabilities have the option of receiving available events via e-mail.

After I apply, when can I start requesting tickets for my agency?
Your agency is eligible to receive tickets the same day we receive the completed application and processing fee.

Why should I join CATS if my agency can get tickets on our own?
Partnering with CATS can only enhance the recreation program your agency has in place. In addition, there are venues that rely on CATS solely to distribute tickets that your agency may not otherwise have access to.

What if we don’t show up for an event we’ve requested tickets to?
CATS’s goal is to provide cultural opportunities to those less fortunate. If your agency isn’t able to attend an event, we ask that you give us as much notice as possible, so we may distribute those tickets to another social service agency.

Does CATS sell or offer discounted tickets?
NO. However, we may be able to refer you to the correct person at your desired venue so you may purchase tickets for your agency.

How much notice will my agency have regarding tickets for a particular event?
Notice for events varies upon a variety of factors. Some events have up to a months notice, while others may only have a few days. On average, CATS provides about a 7-10 days notice for events. CATS is often used as a venue’s connection to the community and will receive the first call to distribute tens, hundreds, and sometimes thousands of tickets. The moment tickets are donated to CATS, word is sent out to agencies via e-mail and the audio hotline.

Does CATS provide transportation to events?
NO. CATS provides donated tickets to thousands of events throughout the Bay Area that would otherwise not be available to the social service community.