The FIA has received "The Challenge” from the Kresge Foundation!
For the past year and a half the FIA membership has read countless newsletter articles about the Capital Campaign and the Institute's quest for a Challenge Grant from The Kresge Foundation. The application was submitted to the Foundation in the early fall, 2004, which began the process of submitting periodic updates pertaining to the growth of the FIA's building fund. The FIA's Steering Committee worked diligently to expand the donor base in pursuit of the coveted Kresge. Outstanding contributions were given by foundations, corporations, individuals, contractors working on the renovation, FIA members, students, staff and Trustees. Under the critical eye of The Kresge Foundation's staff the Institute's updates steadily showed growth and met with their approval.
Word came from The Kresge Foundation at the end of March that the Flint Institute of Arts received “The Challenge.”
The FIA, with donations from 500 donors, has raised $11 million of the $12.6 million goal. Therefore, today, the FIA has $1.6 million left to complete the Campaign. The Institute has approximately 1,500 members. Still, only 30% of the members have given to the project.
Here is how the Kresge Challenge works. The Kresge Foundation always wants to give the last gift to a Capital Campaign, in other words, they want to complete the Campaign. The Foundation believes the FIA's total membership is able to give to the Campaign. They also require that the goal of the Campaign and the end of the construction coincide.
With that in mind here is “The Challenge.” The Kresge Foundation will be the last donor, and their donation will be $650,000 if the Institute receives an additional 999 donations totaling $950,000 by the Grand Reopening in September. Every gift counts!
Now it is up to you.
If you would like to donate to the Capital Campaign, please contact Kathryn Sharbaugh at (810) 234.1695.