November 13, 2024

Why Individual Giving is Crucial to Saving the Fairmont Opera House!

We have looked into the latest trends in philanthropy, it’s clear that individual donors play a more significant role than ever in supporting vital community institutions like the Fairmont Opera House. The Giving USA Foundation’s recent annual report sheds light on the state of charitable giving nationwide, and its findings have direct implications for our own efforts to preserve this historic landmark.

The Growing Importance of Individual Donors

The report highlights that individual giving has increased from 73% to 75% of all philanthropic contributions between 2022 and 2023. While foundation giving has declined slightly, the consistent support from individuals remains the bedrock of charitable funding. This is a powerful reminder that individual contributions are not just part of the picture—they are the lifeblood of organizations like the Fairmont Opera House.

As we continue our journey through our capital campaign, “Preserve the Legacy, Enrich the Future,” we are reminded that individual donors like you are crucial to our success. With your help, we can raise the $4 million needed to repair, restore, and reopen the Opera House, ensuring it continues to serve our community for generations to come.

Understanding the Numbers: Why Your Support Matters

While the overall share of individual giving has grown, the actual dollars given by individuals have seen a slight decline when adjusted for inflation. This trend mirrors what many organizations, including ours, have experienced—a dip in revenue despite an increased reliance on individual contributions.

But here’s the silver lining: every dollar given by an individual has a profound impact. Unlike foundation or corporate giving, which can be volatile and subject to shifting priorities, individual donations reflect personal values and a direct commitment to the causes that matter most. Your support is not just a donation; it’s a statement of belief in the power of the arts to enrich our community.

Why Now is the Time to Give

The Fairmont Opera House is at a critical juncture. After over a century as a cultural hub, our beloved theater urgently needs repairs. Without raising the necessary funds by the end of 2025, we face the heartbreaking reality of permanent closure—not just of a building, but of a space where generations have come together to celebrate, learn, and grow.

Now through the end of December, your gift can go twice as far thanks to a $50,000 match that doubles the impact of every dollar contributed. By supporting our capital campaign, you are preserving more than bricks and mortar; you are investing in the future of our community. You’re ensuring that young performers have a stage, that local businesses benefit from cultural tourism, and that our rich heritage remains alive.

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How Your Donation Makes a Difference

The reasons why people give have remained constant over the years: to create stronger communities, fulfill personal values, and help others. These motivations are at the heart of our campaign. When you donate to the Fairmont Opera House, you are not just giving to a cause; you are becoming part of a legacy. You are helping to write the next chapter in our history.

“My daughter has danced on the stage of the [Fairmont] Opera House since she was three years old; she is now 15, and I would love nothing more than to assure [her] that her senior solo is on that same stage.”

Amber Pitcher, Community Member

“Being new to the Fairmont community, the FOH [Fairmont Opera House] community theater helped my family make new friendships that have helped Fairmont seem more and more like home.”

Ellen Germain, Performer and Director
Fairmont Area Community Theater

“Our parents and great aunt were integral sponsors of the current Opera House and we feel this history is important and should be fostered and built upon.
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“All the moments that Children’s Theater has brought me! I will cherish those moments forever!”

“The memories of taking my Mother in Law to the Opera House are special to me as she is no longer with us. We enjoyed our time together.”

“Bringing the elementary students to a theater performance each year was truly magical. It’s an opportunity most students would never get otherwise. “

“All of my children were active in children’s theater through the opera house. It started their love of theater.”

Your support will directly impact our ability to restore and reopen the Opera House. It will allow us to continue providing a space where memories are made, where creativity is nurtured, and where our community comes together to experience the magic of live performance.

Join Us in Preserving the Legacy

We cannot embark on this journey alone. As the Giving USA report suggests, individual giving strategies are more important than ever. We invite you to join us in preserving the legacy of the Fairmont Opera House and enriching the future of our community. Together, we can ensure that this historic venue continues to be a place of joy, inspiration, and connection for generations to come.

To learn more about how you can support our campaign, please visit our website or contact us directly. Your donation, no matter the size, will make a lasting difference. Let’s make sure the Fairmont Opera House remains a vibrant part of our community for another 125 years.

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