Donors Join Forces to Provide Matching Funds to Symphony Foundation
Symphony New Brunswick Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting New Brunswick’s only professional orchestra, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a remarkable commitment to match donations up to $83,000 from a group of generous New Brunswick donors. If unlocked, this significant donation will play a crucial role in furthering the Foundation's mission to give Symphony NB financial sustainability so that it may foster the growth and accessibility of symphonic music in our community for many years to come.
Dr. Mary Pedersen, Ronald Lees, Jonathan and Haleen Franklin and several anonymous benefactors have pledged to generously match donations (up to $83,000) this summer and fall. The funds will be used to support Symphony New Brunswick Foundation's ongoing campaign to grow its endowment fund to 10 million dollars. By leveraging this substantial donation, the Foundation aims to inspire greater philanthropic engagement, ensuring the continued vitality of classical music in the region.
“Li-Hong and I always looked forward to seeing our friends perform in the great concerts that are such an enjoyable part of the vibrant Saint John scene.“ says Ronald Lees. We were particularly grateful for our daughter Miranda to have the chance to play as an apprentice, and as second violin. This is why I support Symphony NB Foundation and I hope you will too so that many more can experience these opportunities.”
“My mom Marion (Murchison) Pedersen and piano teacher, Sister Marie Estelle, created the environment for the beginning of my love for classical music” says Dr. Mary Pedersen. “And it only gets better as I can now give back and support musicians and artists through matching your donations today. After all, music is the medicine of the mind.”
Symphony New Brunswick has a long-standing commitment to enrich the cultural landscape of the province through music education and live performances. With the support of the Foundation, the Symphony has been able to provide transformative experiences to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
"We are immensely grateful to these donors for their extraordinary generosity," said Reid Parker President of the Foundation. "Their commitment to advancing classical music and supporting the arts is truly remarkable. This matching fund will significantly enhance our efforts to continue to provide support to Symphony New Brunswick and allow us to continue to share meaningful educational opportunities, engage new audiences, and produce exceptional symphonic performances that inspire and uplift our community."
Symphony New Brunswick Foundation actively seeks to expand its donor base and invites individuals, corporations, and organizations passionate about classical music to contribute and help unlock the full potential of this matching gift. By matching each dollar donated, this initiative allows supporters to double the impact of their contribution and maximize the Foundation's ability to support Symphony NB. The combined gifts will also be eligible for additional matching by the Government of Canada.
For more information about Symphony New Brunswick Foundation, its initiatives, and how to contribute, please contact Director Donor Relations, Gillian Gresh or visit snbfoundation.org.
About Symphony New Brunswick Foundation
Symphony New Brunswick Foundation is an independent charity that supports Symphony New Brunswick through an endowment that is held in perpetuity. As its largest single annual donor, we give the Symphony financial sustainability and, through its support, the Foundation enables the Symphony to deliver a more diversified musical program to the residents of New Brunswick. The Foundation’s endowment assets are held and managed by an independent Board of Directors.
The Foundation has ambitious growth objectives to support the creation of additional full-time jobs in the Symphony. To find out more about Symphony New Brunswick Foundation, contact Director Donor Relations, Gillian Gresh
Canadian Heritage’s Canada Cultural Investment Fund Endowment Incentives Component
The Foundation and the Symphony comprise one of the very few organizations in New Brunswick eligible for matching funds from Canadian Heritage’s Cultural Investment Fund-Endowment Incentives Component. Last season we received $245,000 in matching funds from Canadian Heritage based on eligible private sector donations during 2022. Donations will not only be matched by a generous group of donors, but those funds will all also be eligible for Federal matching dollars in our application to Canadian Heritage to be filed in November 2023.