ORLANDO, FL — MAY 2, 2024 — United Arts of Central Florida announced today that, with the generosity of 3,654 donors, the 2024 Collaborative Campaign for the Arts successfully raised more than $6.75 million for local arts, science and history organizations by its April 30th end date. This is the largest campaign to date and the fifteenth consecutive year the Collaborative Campaign has exceeded its fundraising goal.
This annual campaign raises awareness for the local arts and cultural community by uniting 38 arts, science and history organizations to collectively raise funds from February 1 to April 30, with an “early bird” beginning in November. Every dollar raised stays right here in Central Florida, fueling creativity, supporting local artists and strengthening the local economy. The economic and social return on investment in the arts in Central Florida is monumental, supporting more than $500 million in direct economic impact and more than 5,000 local jobs, along with more than 600,000 youth arts experiences.
“We asked our community to help us fill a massive funding gap left by the Florida State Legislature when they reduced the funding for local arts nonprofits,” said Jennifer Evins, President and CEO of United Arts. “Donors to the Collaborative Campaign answered the call and raised a record level of funds this year. United Arts is committed to being a champion for the arts community, and exceeding this fundraising goal feels like a collective victory.”
This year, the Collaborative Campaign engaged more than 580 new donors. Combining the generous gifts from new donors with increased giving from more than 680 loyal donors, the campaign realized $1.27 million in new dollars raised.
“Howey Music Series is honored to have participated in this year’s Collaborative Campaign for the Arts. We are immensely grateful for the invaluable resources, support and reach provided by United Arts,” said Emily Heumann, Executive Director of Howey Music Series. “The generous 15% match serves as a significant catalyst for our fundraising efforts. Thanks to the support of our community, we exceeded our campaign goal. We were thrilled that more than half of our campaign contributions were first-time
donors to our organization.”
Contributions designated to any of the 37 campaign partners receive a 15% match by United Arts, strengthening the impact of donations. An additional $500,000 match was also generously provided by Orange County Government to encourage new funds and increased giving to the arts. By leveraging the matching funds from Orange County and United Arts, the campaign secured more than $8.1 million for our local arts and cultural community.
“Each year, we eagerly anticipate participating in the United Arts Collaborative Campaign,” said David Wheeler, CEO of the Global Peace Film Festival. “Their campaign is so effective; it serves as our annual individual giving campaign. The impact is profound, resonating not just locally, but globally. The funds we raise through our participation enable us to continue our mission as a global film festival, proudly headquartered in Orlando.”
The 2024 Collaborative Campaign for the Arts Partners include:
1. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Garden*
2. Art & History Museums of Maitland
3. ArtReach Orlando
4. Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
5. Bay Street Players
6. Central Florida Ballet
7. Central Florida Community Arts
8. Central Florida Vocal Arts/Opera del Sol
9. Chance 2 Dance*
10. Crealdé School of Art
11. Creative City Project
12. Downtown Arts District/CityArts Orlando
13. Emotions Dance*
14. Enzian
15. Florida Symphony Youth Orchestras
16. Garden Theatre
17. Global Peace Film Festival
18. HAPCO Music Foundation*
19. Howey Music Series*
20. Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center of Florida
21. Leesburg Center for the Arts
22. Mount Dora Center for the Arts
23. Opera Orlando
24. Orange County Regional History Center
25. Orlando Ballet
26. Orlando Family Stage
27. Orlando Fringe
28. Orlando Gay Chorus
29. Orlando Museum of Art
30. Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
31. Orlando Science Center
32. Orlando Shakes
33. Page 15
34. Snap! Orlando
35. Timucua Arts Foundation
36. United Arts of Central Florida
37. Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
38. Winter Park Playhouse *
*New to the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts
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About United Arts of Central Florida— United Arts is Central Florida’s local arts agency that strengthens artists, creatives and arts organizations across the region. Through programs, funding, and resources, United Arts helps local arts and culture organizations achieve their impact goals. Through community engagement initiatives, the nonprofit organization strives to accomplish its vision of access to quality art for everyone in Central Florida. Since 1989, United Arts has raised more than $200 million toward art, arts education, culture, science and history — an ongoing effort to enrich the community and inspire future generations.
For more information, visit http://www.UnitedArtsCFL.org/ or call 407.628.0333
