The one-time grant is aimed at attracting new private donors for the MSO, which recently told BizTimes it needs $5 million in the next few weeks to survive.
The Symphony must raise its $5 million as planned to keep the UPAF grant. Along with UPAF’s board, MSO will develop a long-term plan to remain sustainable in a way that preserves both financial health and product excellence.
The community would “experience a profound loss” if the MSO ceased performing, UPAF said in a statement.
“For more than 50 years, our area residents and visitors have been beneficiaries of MSO’s cultural and educational impact,” said Tina Chang, UPAF board chair. “Losing the Symphony would affect the vitality of our region’s performing arts and would greatly impact the collaboration that exists between many of our arts groups. It is our hope that this one-time challenge grant will encourage new individual donors to help the MSO meet its short and long-term financial goals.”
The Symphony was a founding member of UPAF in 1967 and UPAF is usually its single largest donor. The organization is separately providing $2.3 million for the 2013-’14 season.
“As a substantial funder, advocate and promoter, UPAF is a true champion of the MSO,” said Deanna Tillisch, UPAF president and CEO. “We hope the additional funding will showcase UPAF’s unwavering support of the MSO and greatly contribute to the Symphony’s security in this time of financial need.”
