By Lookout Staff

December 11, 2024 -- The Santa Monica Conservancy tripled its one-day goal on Giving Tuesday, raising enough to fund several key programs, the group announced Wednesday.

The more than $3,000 raised on December 3 has "empowered the Conservancy to tell more stories of the diverse people who have shaped Santa Monica’s past and are guiding its future," officials said.

It also helps the organization towards reaching its "ambitious" year-end goal of raising $20,000 by the end of this year.

"We wanted to raise $1,000 this Giving Tuesday to nurture our community partnerships, invest in educational programming, and expand our signature tours," said Mario Fonda-Bonardi, president of the Conservancy Board.

The contributions "exceeded our expectations and we were able to surpass our goal THREE times over!" Fonda-Bonardi wrote in an email Wednesday.

The contributions provide funding that can be used to:

* Develop two new Preservation Next programs for young professionals,

* Engage our docents in up to four guided visits of unique historic places,

* Open 55 gift memberships to student preservationists under a new initiative, and

* Reach 110 new visitors for the Main Street walk and Downtown Walking tour.

Contributions to the Conservancy ensure it can continue its work "preserving cultural landmarks, developing educational programming and sharing community narratives."

Donations made by December 31 will be matched by generous donors including Mary Ann Hays, John Neufville and select board members, officials said.

To contribute to the Santa Monica Conservancy click here.