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DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
National Endowment for the Arts CARES ACT - National Grant Award
Weston was honored to receive a $50,000 award from the National Endowment for the Arts as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Awarded in July of 2020, this impactful grant supports our 2021 Education and New Works programs. Weston is proud to be among six exceptional Vermont arts organizations to receive these highly competitive awards. "We know the competition for federal funds is always stiff, but especially now when the arts and culture sector is struggling," said Vermont Arts Council Executive Director Karen Mittelman . "These grants…recognize the incredible value of creativity and artistic practice in the midst of the pandemic, and the vitality that arts organizations bring to our communities.”
2020 Summer Board Match Individual Giving
In the spring of 2020, we were faced with the economic impact of our season cancellation. Our immediate concerns were stability and sustainability. We asked ourselves, "How do we safeguard the theatre's future and ensure we will be here to serve our community for years to come?" We also sought to continue our mission by connecting artists and audiences, supporting new work development, and producing engaging theatrical and cultural events. In that moment of crisis, Weston's Board of Trustees provided extraordinary leadership. Members of the Board increased their giving, and we were able to put into motion a matching gift fundraising campaign. With a goal of raising $50,000 through individual gifts, the Board provided 1:1 matches for all donations to the 2020 Summer Board Match. Our Weston family answered the call. We received 197 donations toward the effort, and raised just over $61,000, well exceeding our goal. This critical support helped us move quickly from crisis to stability, continue our work in 2020, and plan for a bright future.
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