ORLANDO, Fla. – (February 5, 2026) — The Chronicle of Philanthropy, one of the nation’s most influential publications serving nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, has featured United Arts of Central Florida and the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts as a national example of how collective action can strengthen local arts ecosystems during a period of widespread funding decline.
In its February 5 article, the Chronicle examines the financial challenges facing arts organizations across the country and highlights Central Florida’s long-standing collaborative fundraising model as a rare success story. The coverage positions United Arts among a small number of community-based organizations being recognized for leadership, innovation, and measurable impact.
Led by United Arts, the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts unites 45 nonprofit organizations spanning performing arts, visual arts, literary arts, science, history, and the humanities in a single, coordinated annual fundraising effort focused on unrestricted operating support.
“It’s 45 nonprofits shouting from the rooftops that now’s the time to give to the arts,” said Jennifer Evins, President & CEO of United Arts of Central Florida. “It’s really a broad group of nonprofits.”
The Chronicle notes that the campaign has enabled participating organizations to grow total dollars raised even as national data show sharp declines in arts funding. By prioritizing general operating support, the collaborative gives organizations flexibility to sustain staff, programs, and community access.
“We don’t fund any capital projects or endowments,” Evins said. “It has to be for that fiscal year’s operating budget.”
Beyond financial results, the article underscores the broader impact of collaboration: increased visibility for smaller organizations, expanded donor engagement, and a shared sense of accountability across the region’s arts community. For United Arts and its partners, the Chronicle’s coverage affirms that collaboration is not only a local strategy—but a model with national relevance.
Read the full Chronicle of Philanthropy article (free account required):
https://www.philanthropy.com/news/news-childress-artscollaborative-2-5/
