Posted on August 23, 2009

Michigan Arts Groups Raise $3.75 Million

The Detroit-based Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has announced that more than $3.75 million was raised through a recent one-day challenge campaign to support arts and cultural organizations in the region.

As part of the Community Foundation Challenge — Arts & Culture, the foundation contributed $1.25 million to the effort, exceeding its initial commitment of $1 million in matching funds. Indeed, the initial match was exhausted in less than six hours, after more than ten thousand donors went online to contribute, creating technical difficulties for the site. To address the frustration that many donors experienced while trying to make a gift, the foundation added $250,000 in matching funds — which was depleted within a few hours.

To meet the challenge, the seventy-five participating arts and cultural organizations mobilized supporters from around the region and country. In addition to general operating support, the organizations received assistance in using online giving and social media tools, including Facebook and Twitter, to engage audiences and expand their outreach.

"The response to the challenge proves how much our community values arts and culture," said Cultural Alliance of Southeastern Michigan executive director Maud Lyon. "Regardless of whether they like music, theater, museums, history, science, or nature, these donors have stepped up to support these nonprofits in these challenging times."