The Hancock County Trustees of Public Reservations (Trustees) are pleased to announce that its Campaign for Woodlawn has achieved its first $2 million fundraising match towards its $4 million matching grant from a private foundation. The Campaign for Woodlawn is the fundraising effort to fund an $8.2 million project that will establish a multi-purpose facility on the 180-acre historic estate in Ellsworth, Maine.
According to Woodlawn’s executive director, Joshua Torrance, “Under the terms of our matching grant, the funds are dispersed in two phases. I am delighted that we have completed the first phase with generous grants from several foundations, and gifts from numerous businesses and community members. And, 100% of our Trustees have supported the effort financially and with generous donations of time. We are now stepping into the final phase of the Campaign for Woodlawn and the momentum continues to grow.” The Trustees’ effort in the first phase was bolstered by a $1million matching gift from an anonymous donor, a $50,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation and $157,000 from area businesses.
The new facility will provide year-round space, and allow Woodlawn to attract a larger, more diverse audience to the estate. It will allow for the continued growth of the Woodlawn School Program, which currently serves 1,300 students annually, free of charge. The Hancock County community will recognize much needed function and event space and Woodlawn will gain exhibit space for its collection as well as traveling exhibits from other museums and organizations.
Torrance further remarked, “It is great to have so many people excited about this project and committed to its success.” To learn more about the Campaign for Woodlawn and make a gift visit woodlawnmuseum.org.