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Sustaining Our Proud Heritage
Historic Odessa Foundation operates on a very modest budget with only two full time staff. Private foundations have funded the lion’s share of building maintenance, facilities improvements, and program development. Membership income, weddings and events, and individual gifts support the general operations of the Foundation, while Corporate Sponsors underwrite special events and exhibitions. Our committed volunteers enable us to save approximately $85,000 annually in salary expense.
An Endowment Campaign to Honor the Past and Strengthen the Future
The overall focus of the campaign is primarily to fulfill the vision of founder, H. Rodney Sharp who had a fascination with history and wanted to preserve beautiful places for the state of Delaware and future generations of families and children who share his passion.
N The campaign will ensure our financial security by strength- ening our infrastructure and will give us the ability to grow in the future.
N Resources generated from the endowment will be used for the current six historic buildings, guaranteeing that they are well-maintained and preserved. Additionally, we will have the ability to act on new opportunities as they arise.
N It will provide us with the possibility of endowing the care of the collection and/or a curatorial/conservation position.
N With adequate funding, we can increase operating income enabling program outreach to new and broader audiences.
N Overall, an endowment would ensure that programs would never be lost in times of economic distress, assuring the preservation of the properties and the collection.