Having worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 15 years, one word has consistently shaped my career, guided my leadership and defined my relationships with colleagues and donors alike: “collaboration.”
As I celebrate my first year with United Arts of Central Florida, I can say with confidence that collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and none of our impact would be possible without it. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply the spirit of collaboration makes our work meaningful.
Each year, the Collaborative Campaign for the Arts proves that collaboration and generosity are contagious. What began more than three decades ago as a bold experiment in cooperative fundraising has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most successful arts campaigns, uniting donors, organizations and communities around a shared belief: Together, we make art thrive.
From December 1 through April 30, United Arts leads the campaign alongside 45 partner organizations that span arts, science, culture and history. A gift made through the campaign doesn’t stop at one organization—it ripples outward, amplifying the work of artists, educators and creative spaces across the region.
What makes this effort truly remarkable, though, is the community behind it. Donors, longtime supporters and first-time givers alike become active collaborators in shaping the cultural future in Central Florida.
Your gifts help the partner organizations unlock a total of $1.25 million in matching dollars from United Arts ($750,000) and Orange County ($500,000). That’s a significant multiplier. But the campaign doesn’t just raise funds; it also levels the playing field by helping smaller organizations reach new audiences and gain visibility alongside established institutions.
The Collaborative Campaign for the Arts is proof that generosity can be both personal and collective. Every donor, every dollar and every partnership contributes to the same goal: a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable arts community.
Because when we come together to support the arts, we’re not just funding performances or exhibitions; we’re investing in creativity, connection and the enduring spirit that makes our region shine. Together we make art possible. And together, we make art thrive.
