The Waldo Theatre has received a $5,000 grant from the Lincoln County Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to provide capacity building and training in sustainable fundraising, historic preservation, and arts-focused economic development for its board members and other community organizations.

“This grant opportunity will focus on capacity building within our organization,” said Melissa Smith, the Waldo Theatre’s president. “Broadening the skill sets of our own board members with regard to fundraising, non-profit administration and historical preservation will contribute to the overall success of the Waldo Theatre.”

The grant proposal, submitted to the Maine Community Foundation program in February of this year, requested funds to hire a consultant to assist with the development a capital campaign fundraising program for the Waldo Theatre. Additionally, the consultant and staff would organize a capacity-building workshop for volunteer board members and invited guests to further learn skills pertaining to the development of a capital campaign and fundraising programs. The intent is to also invite other leaders within the Waldoboro non-profit community to participate in this initiative.

With the Waldo Theatre listed on the National Historic Register, there is a need to balance green energy technology with historic preservation restrictions, Smith said. Guidance on these issues is available for a nominal fee and this grant would allow for the Board of Directors to organize a consultation or a workshop to increase knowledge and awareness on these topics. “We have questions about these topics and felt that perhaps other organizations within Waldoboro may also have concerns. Having a group workshop may benefit several local non-profits, and working together can help everyone reach their goals.”

Serving on the board with Smith are Janet McMahon, Lynnette Myers, Gayle Erdheim, Oren Robinson, Dominik Lobkowicz, Barbara Boardman, Karmon Thornhill, Jacob Newcomb.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Waldo Theatre’s 1937 grand opening. Smith says there is a great desire held in the hearts of many to see the lights shine as the curtain rises once again on the stage of this magnificent building! Many area residents remember movies, plays, concerts and variety shows held at the Waldo Theatre, and they have said they are excited at the prospect of reopening the theater, located on Main Street in Waldoboro village.

For more information on supporting the Waldo, hosting benefit events or general inquiries, please contact the Board of Directors via email: info@thewaldotheatre.org. To learn more about the Maine Community Foundation visit www.mainecf.org.