Mainebiz Giving Guide

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 7 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 2 6 – 2 0 2 7 GIVING GUIDE at success comes as Hascall has noticed donors becoming more dis- cerning about where their money goes. Rather than supporting an institution based on their connection to it alone, donors increasingly want to understand the impact of their contributions. "Basically, donors are not going to just give to a campaign because they love the institution. ey want to give to a cam- paign because they love what you're trying to do within them," she says. "So fund- raising needs to become more savvy. You really need to be on your game to entice donors today to give to a campaign." Hascall has observed a similar shift among corporate donors, who increas- ingly consider how philanthropic contributions align with their broader business goals. "Companies are increasingly look- ing at charitable giving as a strategic investment rather than simply a civic obligation," Hascall says. One example is the completion of a $3 million campaign to fully endow a chair in USM's Risk Management & Insurance program. MEMIC, Cross Insurance and Clark Insurance helped lead the fundraising effort, connect- ing their philanthropic support with workforce development in the insur- ance industry. For the USM Foundation, success- ful capital campaigns are about creat- ing donor relationships that continue long after a campaign ends. "We know that we're in this with USM for today, tomorrow, and for- ever," Hascall says. Investing in longevity Built in 1937, the Ogunquit Playhouse is in the midst of a $62 million capi- tal campaign to renovate its historic theater and surrounding campus. While the Playhouse attracts 100,000 visitors annually and generates $21 million in direct and indirect economic impact for Maine, its infrastructure has not kept pace with its growth, according to Erica Daniels-Strater, director of advance- ment and campaign fundraising. e project will address aging infra- structure and limitations throughout the theater, including restrooms located outside the building, cramped dressing rooms and seating that lacks a rake, which can reduce visibility for some audience members. Renovations will also bring the historic venue into greater ADA compli- ance and improve accessibility for patrons. "In terms of where we are as a company now and creatively, we want to have the facility that matches the work for the artists, the creatives, and the audience that's come to expect the work." Daniels-Strater says. Raising $62 million comes with challenges, particularly as arts and cultural organizations contend with reductions in federal funding. Daniels- Strater says Maine also lacks founda- tions dedicated specifically to arts and culture, creating another fundraising challenge, while inflation continues to drive up renovation costs. Against that backdrop, cultivat- ing donor relationships has become a central part of the campaign. Board members and prospective donors have hosted salons within their networks to engage others with the project and its cultural significance. Private backstage and onstage tours also give supporters a firsthand look at the condition of the building and its equipment. Daniels-Strater says those rela- tionships require time and a genuine effort to understand and engage pro- spective donors. "People don't just have a lunch and ask somebody for money. at's not the way it works. You can't do capital campaigns in a fast way. ey really take relationships," Daniels-Strater says. Ultimately, the capital campaign is designed to ensure the Ogunquit Playhouse can continue offering Broadway-quality performances for generations to come. "It was here for a hundred years, and it has to be here for another hun- dred years. e students that are study- ing here now in our arts academy are our future grandparents bring- ing their children," Daniels-Strater says. "We want the next generation of children to be the grandparents bringing their children." Sloane M. Perron , a freelance writer, can be reached at editorial @ mainebiz.biz What we've been hearing in the sector from the experts is that younger generations are slightly different in how they're approaching their giving. — Jennifer Hutchins Maine Association of Nonprofits P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N P RO Jennifer Hutchins, executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits Basically, donors are not going to just give to a campaign because they love the institution. They want to give to a campaign because they love what you're trying to do within them. So fundraising needs to become more savvy. You really need to be on your game to entice donors today to give to a campaign. — Corey Hascall USM Foundation Corey Hascall, president and CEO of the USM Foundation P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F C A P I TA L C A M PA I G N P RO

• Cover