That means the theatre has to come up with $250, 000 themselves in order to get the corporate donation.
Jamie Whittaker of the Imperial Theatre's board says this kind of contribution engages the community in something they already own.
He says a non-profit charity organization runs the theatre now but it was started by Saint Johners donating money so it's really owned by the whole community.
Whittaker says the Imperial Theatre has been restored now it just needs to be maintained.