Record United Arts annual campaign raises more than $11 million
When arts leaders gather this week for the traditional group photo celebrating the region’s biggest cultural fundraiser, the smiles will be bigger than usual.
At a time when government funding at the state and national levels has become more precarious, United Arts of Central Florida announced that it smashed the ambitious $10 million fundraising goal for its annual Collaborative Campaign, taking in a record $11.2 million.
United Arts, the region’s nonprofit arts advocacy agency, wrapped up its annual Collaborative Campaign on April 30. The campaign, which raises funds for more than 45 cultural organizations in Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, is the largest of its kind in Florida and one of the biggest nationwide.
The exact total reported by United Arts at campaign’s end was $11,256,643.88, with the potential for more donations still to arrive.
The hefty take continues the fundraiser’s upward trajectory. Last year, the Collaborative Campaign took in more than $9 million, far exceeding its $6.5 million goal. In 2024, the campaign raised $6.75 million.
In another positive sign, United Arts reported the money raised came from 3,623 contributors, including 1,247 new donors.
“The campaign reflects strong philanthropic support and a growing community of donors committed to the vital role the arts play in our region,” the United Arts announcement said.
When kicking off the five-month campaign in December, United Arts said increasing the goal to $10 million was a response to increased funding uncertainty. State arts spending has varied wildly for years, including in 2024 when Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $32 million in arts grants because he considered Fringe theater festivals like Orlando's to be too sexual in nature.
“The higher target reflects the critical need for sustained funding to ensure arts and cultural organizations can continue to thrive, innovate and serve Central Florida's expanding population and evolving community needs,” the organization said at the start of this year’s campaign.
Money donated to the Collaborative Campaign by individuals is matched up to $1.25 million by United Arts and Orange County. The partner organizations include large institutions such as Orlando Museum of Art, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Orlando Ballet and Orlando Family Stage, as well as smaller entities such as the Blue Bamboo Performing Arts Center, Emotions Dance and Orlando Gay Chorus.
Cultural organizations are eligible to join the Collaborative Campaign after they have successfully been vetted and complete one cycle of the 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.
Joining the campaign for the first time this year are the Theatre South Playhouse, New Generation Theatrical, the Orlando Urban Music & Film Festival, Orlando Youth Chamber Ensembles, Playwrights' Round Table and Renaissance Theatre Company, all based in Orlando.
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 5:38 AM.