A million dollars in gifts are available to over sixty participating members — including several in Washtenaw County — as part of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan's Arts & Culture Challenge. Since its establishment 25 years ago, the Community Foundation has promoted and facilitated community philanthropy, providing over $360 million in grants to nonprofits throughout Southeast Michigan. The Arts & Culture Challenge, a collaboration between the Community Foundation and the Cultural Alliance of Southeast Michigan, aims to inspire financial support of local arts and cultural organizations.

For every donation made, the Community Foundation will match by 50 percent, ultimately providing $1 million in matching funds. Local members taking part in the program include The Arts Alliance, Leslie Science and Nature Center, Performance Network, Purple Rose Theatre Company, University Musical Society, and the University of Michigan (Exhibit Museum of Natural History, Henry Ford Estate [part of UM-Dearborn], Museum of Art).

Beginning August 18, contributions can be made at the Community Foundation Challenge web site, continuing through September 18 or when the matching funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first. Donors are not restricted to supporting one organization; they may contribute to as many participants as they like. The Community Foundation is underwriting the operating costs so that 100 percent of all donations and matching funds will be granted to the participants.

Chrysta Cherrie is the entertainment producer/copy editor for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at chrystacherrie@annarbor.com.