At fundraising midpoint, United Arts leader is optimistic
As the midpoint of the region’s biggest cultural fundraising campaign approaches, donations are running ahead of pace — though “we still have a long way to go,” says Jennifer Evins, president of United Arts of Central Florida.
The annual Collaborative Campaign for the Arts raises money for dozens of organizations, artists and educational programs throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Lake counties. It runs each year from Feb. 1 through April 30. This year’s goal: $4.38 million. Last year, the campaign brought in about $3.9 million.
It’s Evins’ first campaign at the helm of United Arts.
“I came to this community knowing the concept of collaboration really existed,” she said. “It’s not just smoke and mirrors, it’s working.”
The campaign is extra-important for multiple reasons this year, she said. For one, United Arts research shows that even with government financial assistance tied to COVID19 pandemic relief efforts, Central Florida’s arts groups still faced about $6.5 million in lost revenue in 2021.
“This collaborative campaign not only helps us move forward, it helps us recover from the pandemic,” said Evins, who became the advocacy organization’s president in June.
A second key part of the campaign is it has the potential to unlock $500,000 in additional funds through an Orange County grant. If United Arts makes the $4.38 million goal, the county will kick in the half million dollars in the final year of a deal arranged by Evins’ predecessor, Flora Maria Garcia.
“The [Orange County] commissioners are so
generous to do this for us,” Evins said. She plans on meeting with county officials later this spring to discuss “the right strategy” for future investment in the cultural sector.
In the campaign, donors can earmark their contributions for specific organizations, such as Orlando Science Center, Enzian Theater or the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Each organization sets its own internal goal, which taken together helps determine the overall campaign goal.
So far this year, seven organizations already have surpassed their internal goals, Evins said. They are the Bay Street Players of Eustis, Central Florida Ballet, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, Opera Orlando, the Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando Ballet and Timucua Arts Foundation.
Overall, 3,945 donors have brought the campaign to 62% of the goal — ahead of where contributions
were at this point last year.
Donations have been coming from individuals and companies, Evins said.
“It’s really exciting to see the spirit of giving at all levels,” she said. “We see checks for $25, checks for $2,500, for $25,000.”
She thinks as more patrons return to arts events and cultural institutions with the decline of COVID-19 cases, they will be inspired to contribute. At unitedarts.cc/collaborativecampaign, donors can make a pledge online or print out a form to mail in with their donation. Contributions may be made via phone by calling 407-6280333.
“We are hopefully seeing and feeling the joy the arts bring us,” said Evins. “The joy is back — but the joy costs money.”