The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts is a non-profit organization that offers affordable arts programming and performances for all Dunn County residents. The Mabel Tainter Memorial Theater was constructed in 1889 by the parents of Mabel Tainter, a young woman who passed away at age 19 and had a true love for the arts. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated Wisconsin Historical Marker. The Foundation has funded several requests to the Mabel, including restoration of their historic organ, support for their children’s series, and technology upgrades. Most recently, the Foundation is working with the Mabel on a 3M Foundation Community Vibrancy grant to support arts initiatives in 2020.
The Mabel describes themselves as being on a steady path of growth, having nearly paid off the last of their debt from the $6.76 million renovation/expansion project which began in 2007. Paying off this debt puts them in a better financial position to direct its funds to the greatest strategic benefit of the organization. They set a strategic plan in motion last summer to expand their operational fundraising, develop and execute a capital plan and increase endowment to $5 million in the coming years. Annual disbursements from this fund would be used to advance those efforts. They give more detail about developing their donor base, engaging donors, capital projects like sound, lighting, a new boiler, and expanding the endowment to relieve the stress of ongoing operational fundraising.
Please check back to this post for instructions on how to donate towards the Mabel’s $5,000 fundraising effort for their Agency fund.
