As cultural organizations grapple with less government funding, United Arts of Central Florida’s Collaborative Campaign has announced a $10 million private-sector fundraising goal, an all-time high.
More organizations than ever will participate in the region’s most significant annual fundraiser with six new partner organizations joining the 2026 campaign for the first time. This is the 33rd year of the campaign, which has grown to become the second-largest communitywide cultural fundraiser in the nation, according to United Arts, the region’s nonprofit arts-advocacy agency.
“We are thoroughly honored to be invited to be part of the United Arts Collaborative Campaign,” said Hillary Brook, executive director of southwest Orlando’s Theatre South Playhouse, one of the six groups joining the fundraiser. “Together with the help of United Arts, we hope to spread the word about what we are achieving in Dr. Phillips, and continue to support local artists, young performers and the creative heart of our community.”
The other organizations joining the Collaborative Campaign for the first time are Orlando-based New Generation Theatrical, the Orlando Urban Music & Film Festival, Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles, Playwrights’ Round Table and Renaissance Theatre Company, the latter two both based in Orlando as well.
Cultural organizations are eligible to join the Collaborative Campaign after they have successfully been vetted and completed one cycle of United Arts’ program that awards general operating support grants each year. In that program, organizations must demonstrate artistic excellence and merit, solid board governance and financial management, and measurable community impact and access.
There are now 45 partner organizations in the Collaborative Campaign, including some of Central Florida’s oldest and best-known cultural entities: Orlando Science Center, Enzian Theater, Orlando Ballet, the Orange County Regional History Center, Orlando Museum of Art and more.
“We are at our best when we collaborate, when we realize that we are better and stronger and healthier together, and the United Arts Collaborative Campaign leads the way in helping maximize our impact, elevate the voices of our community, and raise awareness that the very things that make this such a wonderful and dynamic place to call home need your support,” said Justin Muchoney, executive director of longtime campaign participant Central Florida Community Arts.
Although this is the first 8-figure goal in the campaign’s history, raising $10 million is not out of the question. The 2025 goal was set at $6.5 million — but brought in a record $9 million.
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That strong result “demonstrates what our community can accomplish when we come together, said United Arts President and CEO Jennifer Evins. “Last year’s historic results showed that Central Floridians care deeply about the local arts, and they are taking action through giving. This year we are building on that success so more children, families and residents can experience the power of creativity and innovation.”
The Collaborative Campaign has increased importance this year as the state has made it more difficult for arts groups to receive funding. In the latest tightening of the rules, a cultural organization is no longer eligible to receive state money if it programs events inappropriate for minors to attend (with some possible exceptions) — even if the funding request is not for that type of programming.
“Only 12% of the arts are supported by public dollars, and this campaign allows the public to show up in a big and impactful way,” United Arts said in its announcement of the fundraiser’s return this month.
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The Collaborative Campaign does have the potential to unlock some public money locally, however. Contributing helps access matching funds of up to $500,000 from Orange County through a program that rewards new or increased donations.
In addition, United Arts has its own matching program with partner organizations, making the “partner” designation particularly valuable to organizations.
In August, new Collaborative Campaign partner New Generation Theatrical presented the comedy “Gothic Castle: Spirits of Camelot” with Julia Thompson, left, and Megan Borkes. (Courtesy New Generation Theatrical)
“Your gift goes further through UA,” the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra reminds patrons at the top of its email promoting the campaign. “Give today and help us unlock matching funds.”
The campaign runs through April 30, and donors may designate their contribution to any one of the 45 partners or to a general fund. For more information or to contribute, go to unitedartscfl.org/collaborativecampaign.
Brook, from Theatre South Playhouse, said the importance of the campaign can’t be overstated.
“Art doesn’t just happen on its own,” she said. “The support from our community is everything.”
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