Community Support Needed to Unlock Transformational Gift
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) is proud to announce a generous $1 million challenge grant in support of its ongoing capital campaign, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to raise funds for our new facility.
The challenge grant, provided by The Thomas W. Haas Foundation, will contribute $1M toward COAST’s capital campaign upon raising a matching $1M, creating a unique opportunity for donors to double the impact of their gifts and help propel the campaign toward its fundraising goal.
“Public transportation is one of the most powerful investments we can make in a community, said Tom Haas. Every day, COAST helps people get to work, school, medical appointments, and essential services. This $1 million challenge grant is an invitation to others who care about the Seacoast’s future to join us in ensuring that reliable, affordable transportation remains available to everyone who depends on it.”
“To say we are overjoyed with the challenge grant awarded by the Foundation is an understatement,” said Rad Nichols, Executive Director. “This challenge grant is transformational as we accelerate toward our fundraising targets for the project.”
Every contribution made during the challenge period will help unlock funds and move the campaign closer to the non-federal funding goal of $3.4M. These non-federal funds will match and unlock the $13,760,000 of already awarded and obligated Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant funds COAST holds.
Tom Haas added, “Philanthropy is at its best when it removes barriers and creates pathways to possibility. COAST serves people from all walks of life, helping ensure transportation is not what stands between someone and a job, a doctor’s appointment, a classroom, or a chance to contribute. We hope this challenge grant inspires others to invest in a more connected and equitable future for our region.”
The capital campaign will support the construction of COAST’s new home for the next 40+ years. Once completed, the new facility will provide a safe, efficient, and adequately sized space for COAST’s administration, operations, and maintenance functions all in one location. Importantly, it will also allow COAST to store its entire fleet indoors, protected from the elements.
“We are deeply grateful for this remarkable challenge grant,” said Joanne Muckenhoupt, Director of Development. “We invite individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners to join us in maximizing this opportunity. Together, we can turn this moment into lasting impact.”
Those interested in supporting the campaign can make gifts or download a pledge form online at connectedbycoast.org or contact Joanne Muckenhoupt or Rad Nichols to learn more about giving opportunities.
About COAST
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST) has provided public transit service to the Seacoast New Hampshire region since 1982. COAST is a public, nonprofit transit system that relies primarily on federal and local government support to operate. Increasingly, however, COAST is relying on partnerships with the private sector, including businesses, foundations, and individuals to support its ongoing operations. COAST is governed by a board of directors representing the communities served, two regional planning commissions, and many local and state agencies.
Photo: Courtesy Image attached and attributable to Mike Lianza
