The actual dates for NH Gives – an online NH Center for Nonprofits day of giving for organizations in the state – were June 7 and 8, but for participants, the work began before the event.
Roy Schlieben, executive director of MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough, said the board played a big role in preparing for NH Gives, reaching out to the community, friends and family members through email and face-to-face interactions.
“That personal touch is what gets people’s attention,” he said. “People are getting bombarded with appeals from all sides.”
But even with all the work, the event can still be unpredictable.
“Twenty-four hours isn’t a lot of time,” he said. “You have to do a lot of work to let your supporters know about it,”
MAXT Makerspace, which provides resources to artists, entrepreneurs, students and adult learners, had a goal of raising $25,000 during NH Gives, and exceeded it by bringing in $25,994. Schlieben said NH Gives is a crucial part of the organization’s fundraising, allowing it to provide memberships at a discount for the fast majority of its members.
“If we didn’t have NH Gives, we wouldn’t be able to provide the services we do for the price that we do,” he said.
MAXTMakerspace has been working the past year to replace some of the programs lost when Sharon Arts Center closed. It started the Community Ceramics Center in Dublin, which now hosts five classes and workshops a week, and is also upgrading its jewelry-making section.
The organization also began a new print shop and textiles room last summer, opened a new bike shop during the winter and is starting a new gallery for new and emerging artists this spring. MAXT is also starting a forge/welding section.
Preparation was also important for Flying Gravity Circus in Wilton, which raised $3,445, besting its $3,000 goal.
“We worked hard for it, and it was gratifying to see the community turn out,” Executive Director Jackie Davis said.
Davis’ team prepared and scheduled social media posts before the event encouraging people to give, and during NH Gives, she posted messages of thanks on Facebook whenever she saw new donations came in. She said she was encouraged to see board members, staff and families of children they teach spread the word.
“We saw some beautiful tributes,” she said.
Flying Gravity Circus teaches provides circus training for children and teenagers, and Davis said that while the federal Paycheck Protection Program saved the organization, it is still recovering from the pandemic, including having to suspend its Circus After School Program and Silver Lining Summer Camp for two years.
“We’re trying to resurrect both those programs, which both got kneecapped during the pandemic,” she said.
The camp is scheduled for July, and Flying Gravity Circus’ summer troupe will be performing at events this summer, which Davis said is a way to get their students develop some performing chops.
“They have these cool circus skills, but now they have to stroll around, smile and entertain,” she said.
According to Executive Director Lauren Judd, the money raised through NH Gives makes up 14% of The Cornucopia Project’s budgeted income.
Having set a goal of $40,000, the Peterborough-based organization did even better, raising $48,511. Of the total, $3,000 is earmarked for youth culinary programs, while the rest will support underfunded programs and free services The Cornucopia Project provides to students in preschool through high school, schools and partner organizations to advance hands-on nutrition education for children.
“We’re thrilled by the outpouring of support from the community, including generous businesses and the board of directors,” Judd said.
Cornucopia’s board set up a $20,000 matching fund, and Eversource Energy Foundation, Perry Family Dental Care, Belletetes, Women 2 Women in Business (Monadnock Area), Rosaly’s Garden, Edmunds Ace Hardware, Hobbs Jewelers and Anytime Apparel also provided matches.
Longtime Cornucopia Community Supported Agriculture members Martha and Bill Raymond set up a matching fund, as did Mike and Sue Stanley. Martha Raymond has volunteered in Cornucopia Project cooking classes, and Judd said Mike Stanley is a longtime board member.
“Mike was one of our original supporters,” she said. “He’s been a real essential part of this organization.”
Overall, NH Gives raised nearly $3.49 million raised from more than 13,000 donors for 575 organizations.
“It makes me feel like I’m part of the statewide nonprofit community,” Davis said of participating. “It makes you feel less lonely. It makes you feel lifted.”
Judd stated that The Cornucopia Project collaborates with other New Hampshire nonprofits, so the organization celebrates its success alongside theirs.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to all who gave during this powerful and far-reaching fundraiser,” she stated.
The following groups from the Monadnock Region took part in NH Gives (figures as of June 9):
Andy’s Summer Playhouse in Wilton – $1,329.
Children and the Arts in Peterborough— $6,582.
ColdSprings Healing Paws Foundation in New Ipswich – $2,760.
Community Volunteer Transportation Company in Peterborough – $3,230.
ConVal End 68 Hours of Hunger – $4,040.
Flying Gravity Circus in Wilton – $3,445.
Friends of the Greenfield Community Meetinghouse – $8,407.
Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs in Peterborough – $4,455.
Greenfield Historical Society in Greenfield – $545.
Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock – $2,235.
Ingalls 1894 Association in Rindge – $2,185.
Jaffrey Woman’s Club – $530.
John Humiston American Legion Post No. 11 in Jaffrey – $1,900.
MacDowell in Peterborough – $225.
MAXT Makerspace in Peterborough – $25,994.
Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter in Peterborough – $11,659.
Monadnock at Home in Jaffrey – $885.
Monadnock Center for History and Culture in Peterborough – $21,716.
Monadnock Worksource in Peterborough – $4,980.
Music on Norway Pond in Hancock – $345.
Peterborough Players – $2,425.
Reality Check in Jaffrey – $200.
Scott-Farrar at Peterborough – $5,100.
Shelter From the Storm in Jaffrey – $1,155.
The Cornucopia Project in Peterborough — $48,511.
The Grapevine Family & Community Resource Center in Antrim – $14,350.
Touchstone Farm in Lyndeborough – $21,695.
The Well School in Peterborough – $575.
The River Center in Peterborough –$16,152.
The Park Theatre in Jaffrey – $675.