Arts nonprofit surpasses fundraising campaign
Emerge raised $48,592 during its late 2024 "Help from Friends" campaign, exceeding the $45,000 goal to cover an expected gap in funding due to a grant application denial. The arts nonprofit's logo is seen Monday on its north-facing exterior wall.
DEVIN WEEKS/Press
COEUR d'ALENE — Emerge is going to be OK, thanks to a little help from its friends.
The downtown Coeur d'Alene arts nonprofit launched a $45,000 "Help from Friends" fundraising campaign in November to cover a $50,000 shortfall that was expected this year due to the denial of a grant application by a usual funding source. That's 6.5% of Emerge's $325,000 operating budget.
Executive Director Jeni Hegsted reported the campaign exceeded expectations.
"Emerge raised $48,592," she told The Press via email Saturday.
The Little Rock-based Windgate Foundation, which supports visual arts, contemporary crafts and health and education causes in Arkansas, has provided Emerge with about $50,000 in annual grant funding the past four years. The foundation rejected Emerge's 2024 application for including plans to spend some of the funds on programming for performing arts, which Windgate doesn't cover.
Hegsted requested to update the application but was unable to make changes after submitting the paperwork. She was later informed Emerge will be able to apply for a grant from the foundation this year.
According to info on emergecda.com, 122 donors gave to the campaign. Fellow downtown business Clark's Diamond Jewelers provided a big chunk of the support through a $15,000 dollar-to-dollar match.
"The money raised greatly helps in securing Emerge's future and ensuring we will be able to hold all of our programming and events in 2025," Hegsted said.
She said the community can continue to support Emerge by attending events, taking classes and shopping there.
"We are so beyond grateful for the community's support," Hegsted said.
Emerge's 2025 Space Disco Fundraising Bash will be from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Vantage Point Brewing, 208 E. Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, dancing and auction items. Tickets begin at $125.
Info: emergecda.com