First Night Worcester launched a fundraising campaign Monday to cover a $25,000 budget shortfall stemming from declining corporate support.
The organization has lost nearly half its corporate contributions over the past three years due to the economic downturn, according executive director Howard McGinn.
“For a nonprofit to lose that much of its funding in such a short period of time? That’s a huge hit,” McGinn said in statement.
Roughly $150,000 is needed – including in-kind donations – to carry out First Night, McGinn said.
The organization has reduced operating expenses by 80 percent over the past two years, McGinn said, but can’t cut more.
Nonprofit First Night Worcester has been organizing annual events since 1981 and is the second oldest First Night celebration in the country.
Contributions to First Night can be made at www.gofundme.com/firstnightworcester or by sending a check to First Night Worcester, PO Box 351, Worcester, MA 01614.
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