View of the Fort Ticonderoga. Carl Heilman photo.
The Fort Ticonderoga Association, a private non-profit organization, recorded increased donations in 2011. The Fort Ticonderoga Fund, the annual giving program, raised $600,327 in 2011, a 12% increase from 2010. The number of donors also increased in 2011 by 14%. Established in 2011, the Fort Ticonderoga Fund marked the first time the organization had a structured annual giving program that supported its general operations. The 2011 Fort Ticonderoga Fund was co-chaired by Sandy Morhouse of Ticonderoga, NY and Kitty Pell of Boston, MA.
Peter Paine, Fort Ticonderoga Association President, said the establishment of the Fort Ticonderoga Fund was a significant new strategy for the organization which depends heavily on the generosity of its donors. “Trustee giving led the way, both in a total commitment which increased 15% in 2011, and by making pledges early in the drive, permitting us to announce a “nucleus fund” over $300,000 at the Fort’s Midsummer Gala in July.”
The Fort Ticonderoga Fund included The “Fort-ifier” program which enlisted and deployed a committee of 21 local volunteers and Fort advocates. This group made an important impact on the success of the campaign. “Fort-ifier” Committee Co-Chair Anne McDonald of Ticonderoga said “This group made an important impact on the success of the campaign. Volunteers personally contacted over 100 prospects in the community and secured 87 commitments totaling $32,745.”
Fort Ticonderoga’s key operating results for 2011 show a successful year. The results were achieved in the midst of expected challenges including a severe winter, significant flooding in the Lake Champlain region in the spring, and a hurricane in the late summer which devastated the entire region. In spite of these challenges and a national downward visitation trend at historic sites, visitation to Fort Ticonderoga remained flat for 2011 at 70,378 visitors.
Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga Executive Director, said “While there were significant challenges to overcome in 2011, I am very pleased by Fort Ticonderoga’s results as they show that Fort Ticonderoga’s compelling mission is resonating with our supporters. In addition, site-specific and unique interpretive programs, the new internationally acclaimed Art of War exhibit, and a strong marketing strategic plan which highlighted the new America’s Fort brand, repositioned Fort Ticonderoga as a national must-see destination.”
“We are especially grateful to the staff and the greater Ticonderoga community who contributed to Fort Ticonderoga last year,” said Sandy Morhouse, Vice President of the Fort Ticonderoga Association and Fort Ticonderoga Fund Co-Chair. “Our donors responded generously in 2011 and increased their giving at a time when there is intensified competition for charitable dollars and the condition of the economy has challenged our supporters.”