Support

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, BFS and its many programs are funded with a mix of admission fees, program sponsorships, and tax-deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. BFS also is supported by grant funding, including a FY2023 grant from the Maine Arts Commission, an independent state agency supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Essential to the BFS budget are gifts to the Annual Appeal (Read more about 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020.) In 2023, BFS received an amazing $21,512 from 201 contributors (108% of our dollar goal, and 100.5% of our donor goal!)

Donating is easy:

How much do people give? The average donation to the Appeal was $127 in 2023. We invite you to donate an amount that feels right, considering your own finances and how much you value BFS programs for yourself, your friends, family, and neighbors!

What do we hear?

  • Contradance in New England has been a warm and wonderful space for me over the last 15-20 years. I feel so grateful that there is such an energetic and thriving community dance scene in Belfast (and beyond!) that I can share with my family and my children. We are delighted to support you in this important work.
  • Thanks for the joyful programming! BFS is such a bright presence in the community!
  • Listening [to the Flying Shoes Radio Hour] on the archive… thanks for playing the requests!
  • Happy 18th birthday, BFS! Old enough to vote…
  • Thank you ALL for your hard work!
  • Attending the Belfast contra dances from a young age was definitely a formative experience for me, instilling a love for contra dancing. So when there weren’t any dances happening here in [my town], I knew I had to take on the initiative [to organize a dance series]! 
  • Thank you, BFS Board, for your commitment and time and energy
  • I love Flying Shoes for the sense of community from a group activity, the magic of entrainment, and the pleasure inherent in hearing live music from talented and skilled musicians… and it’s good physical exercise, too!

2024 Donors:

  • Paul Brown
  • Meredith Creswell
  • Jeff Densmore
  • Chrissy Fowler*
  • Janet Houghton
  • Edie Konesni
  • Valerie Mekras
  • Greg Mekras
  • Don Osier#
  • LouAnna Perkins

A contribution was made in memory of (#) this person | in honor of (*) this person.

2024 Program Partners, Grantors, Donors & Sponsors: