3 minute read
From the Director
The term “non-profit” usually means just that. While most non-profits have endowments — restricted funds for specific purposes or rainy day, nest-egg funds, it’s not uncommon to go from year to year where receipts and disbursals even out in their daily operations account(s).
For years, Cape May MAC would do as much as $4 million-plus in business yet rely on lines of credit and loans from donors and friends to get through the lean winter months until late spring or early summer until it started to turn a profit. And that is with the aid of consistent, generous general operational support (annual grant) from the New Jersey Historical Commission (NJHC).
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From 1986 to date, Cape May MAC has received $18,216,522 in total grant funding. Most, however, is not for operations (payroll, etc.), but rather for specific projects. And most of those are for capital improvement projects, including approximately $2.3 million alone for the restoration and the maintenance of the historic 1859 Cape May Lighthouse. About the same goes for the historic Fire Control Tower #23 (World War II Lookout Tower). And since 1970, when Cape May MAC became responsible for the Physick Estate and its crown jewel the 1879 Physick House Museum, we have invested heavily in the property through various grants. Most of these projects would not have been possible without the consistent support of the New Jersey Historic Trust (NJHT). Cape May MAC has received National Park Service Maritime grant funding for the Lighthouse and 1772 Foundation for the Physick Estate. However, the federal maritime funds are funneled through each state, and availability is dependent upon the state applying for it to thus be available for entities (local governments and non-profits) within to apply. And for the past few years, 1772 has only funded projects in New England.
Cape May MAC continues to offset some of its capital projects working with the Cape May County Open Space Board’s Historic Preservation Grant.
Presently, Cape May MAC is embarking on projects to install both climate control (HVAC) and fire suppression systems in the house museum. With the help primarily of the NJHT, Cape May MAC is also seeking other partners and donors to further preserve and secure this landmark property, as well as the 6,000 works of art in its inventory.
As noted, the non-profit has traditionally received valuable support from the NJHC toward its operating budget. Thankfully, for the second consecutive year, in fiscal year 2023 (FY23), Cape May MAC will receive $350,000, which is up from $254,250 in 2020 and $225,000 in 2019. That said, it is a far cry from former funding levels in the earlier part of this century that were in the area of $600,000. For FY23, Cape May MAC will receive $80,500, the same as last year, from the New Jersey Council on the Arts for the 43rd Annual Cape May Music Festival. Without this support, the present 15 concerts (mostly classical, with a sprinkling of jazz and other musical genres) in May and June would be impossible. (Also see front page story).
The New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism issues an annual grant that Cape May MAC applies for and has been successful in being awarded for the purpose of marketing our Group Tour initiative of our Tour Operations Department. The buses you see in town with people coming from some 25 states are most likely here due to the efforts of our staff.
Approximately 40 percent of the CEO/ Director’s workload, the same percentage of the Chief Outreach Strategist’s and 20 percent of the Chief Outreach Officer’s time is dedicated to grant research, applications, and reporting. And each year, the process starts all over again.
Even with all these efforts to secure grant funding, traditionally, 80 percent of Cape May MAC’s income is earned — through ticket sales of its various Physick House Museum, Lighthouse, World War II Lookout Tower, trolley tours, special events (including private homes, inns and gardens tours throughout the year). And the latter could not be possible without the partnership of a plethora of local businesses and private property owners.
Jody Alessandrine, Director/CEO
-- JJA
Photo by Susan Krysiak
