Funds Designated to Organizations

In 2010, The Community Foundation distributed $6 million from funds designated to organizations by gift or bequest. A donor established a new $3 million fund designated for Long Wharf Theatre in 2009-2010. With that new fund, the internationally renowned theatre now has five designated funds at The Community Foundation with a combined value close to $10 million.

By the time the Board of Long Wharf Theatre (LWT) celebrated its 20th birthday in 1985, it had established a national reputation and was an important force in the regional theater movement. But the Theatre needed stronger financial footing. Leaders concluded an endowment was necessary to create predictable income each year and to prove that they were here for the long term. They also realized they needed the credibility and expertise of The Community Foundation to successfully appeal to its supporters for a permanent endowment, both through outright and deferred gifts. The result was the Campaign for the Future Fund which raised $1.2 million and started a tradition for The Community Foundation of working with large and small organizations to build endowments.

Now at the 46th season, Long Wharf Theatre has five funds designated for it at The Community Foundation with a combined value close to $10 million, including a new $3 million fund established in 2010. And although plans for a downtown theater are on hold, LWT continues to grow, producing an annual season of six plays on its two stages, offering new ventures like the Global Health and the Arts Initiative, and providing a comprehensive arts-education program.

The Community Foundation has 100 funds that have been established in partnership with nonprofit organizations to launch an endowed giving program. Of the millions in grants awarded in 2010, The Foundation distributed $6 million to designated organizations, such as Long Wharf Theatre, by gifts or bequests.

'Have You Seen Us' at Long Wharf Theatre