ArtsBuild announces that the organization met and surpassed its fundraising goal for the 2019 50th Anniversary Annual Campaign, receiving more than $1 million in private donations, city and state government grants and in-kind contributions. Contributions from individuals, businesses and private foundations for general operating and special project support accounted for more than 60 percent of the income.  
 
Each year, ArtsBuild conducts a campaign to raise funds from the community that support its mission to build a stronger community through the arts. Funds raised allow ArtsBuild to invest in local arts organizations through Mission Support grants, competitive annual grants awarded based on several criteria, one of which is how the grantee organization works to create access to the arts. Funds also sustain Community Cultural Connections grants, small project grants awarded to a variety of different non-profits, artists, start-up arts organizations and neighborhood associations, for arts programs, projects and events across Hamilton County. Additionally, the Annual Campaign funds the Imagine! program, which provides free arts experiences for more than 12,000 Hamilton County School students in grades K-fourth.  
 
ArtsBuild Board Chair Dr. Mary Tanner says, “Annual support from the community is critical to ArtsBuild operations and programs. It’s the core of what sustains us. This year, many people stepped up to support ArtsBuild in a generous way. We thank every single donor who contributed this year.” 
 
ArtsBuild especially wants to thank board member Jeannine Grogg, who served as chair of the 50th Anniversary Annual Campaign. 
 
James McKissic, hired as president of the organization in December 2019, was thrilled to begin his role by celebrating the end of a successful fundraising year with the board and staff. “I have already met so many generous, creative and motivated people – administrators, educators, donors, artists and advocates - who make up our vibrant arts community here in Chattanooga. ArtsBuild has a loyal base of donors who have laid the foundation for the organization over the past 50 years, and who continue to support us in our goal to create more arts in more places for more people,” says Mr. McKissic. 
 
"ArtsBuild looks forward to building on these successful results in 2020 by sharing the message about how the arts have an impact on all of us, at an individual and a community level," officials said.