NC nonprofit just got $40,000 in state funds. It had no idea the money was coming

One “out-of-the-blue phone call” followed by one email landed Matthews Playhouse one of its largest financial gifts — $40,000 — as part of the North Carolina state budget.

“It was quite a shock to us,” Sarah Baumgardner, executive director of Matthews Playhouse recently told The Charlotte Observer. The money was included in a list of local grants as part of North Carolina’s $30 billion budget.

The nonprofit community theater will use the funds to create more sensory-sensitive experiences through programs and classes, Baumgardner said. Its inclusive programming for people with disabilities is related to autism spectrum and cognitive disabilities.

Talking with colleagues from other organizations, Baumgardner said they’ve never heard of anything like the surprise funding.

“The work that we do each day is finally what is being noticed and that’s what’s so impactful,” Baumgardner said. “Our consistency in showing up for our community got someone in power to notice, and that’s a great feeling.”

How the funding happened

In late May, Baumgardner was driving with her two middle school-aged children to pick up snacks for a road trip when her cell phone rang. It was a call from state Rep. Tricia Cotham’s office. (Cotham had made national news the month before when she switched party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, handing the GOP a super-majority in the lower chamber in Raleigh.)

Baumgardner quickly pulled her Kia Terruide into a Publix grocery store parking lot in Mint Hill.

A representative from Cotham’s office asked to learn more about the Mecklenburg County theater’s inclusive programming and how state funding could potentially support it.

“It was a completely out-of-the-blue phone call,” Baumgardner said. “I was so dumbfounded.”

It was a quick few-minute conversation as she tried to write information down on scraps of paper handed to her by her daughter. Baumgardner asked if the office rep would like to set up a time to talk more, but declined.

She talked about playhouse programs, including the first sensory-sensitive show held in February, the diversity playwright festival, and expanding inclusive camps and education. She even talked about the possibility of creating a production that highlights what it’s like living with autism.

“I just talked and talked,” she said.

He asked how much money the arts group could use. Baumgardner said $50,000 could produce a show or pay for all the summer camp teachers, but never asked for a specific amount.

“He was clear to say it was a request going in with the budget but not to expect anything,” Baumgardner said.

So she put it out of her mind. But on Sept. 20, she said she was “shocked” when she got an email that Matthews Playhouse was receiving $40,000. Now, the group can decide how best to use it.

”I really didn’t have any formal plan because I hadn’t written a formal grant,” she said. “It’s surreal.”

About Matthews Playhouse

Founded 28 years ago, Matthews Playhouse produces seven main stage productions and five school of theater children’s shows annually. About 1,000 children attend the summer camp programs and another 400 students participate in the school of theater annually.

The playhouse has 11 full- and part-time staff, plus contractors.

This year, Matthews Playhouse budget is its largest ever at over $1 million, said Baumgardner, who has been involved in the theater group for six years, and last two as the leader. Funding comes from a mix of public and private donations, as well as ticket sales and tuition.

Community connections

Baumgardner said as a parent of a child on the autism spectrum, it’s a personal passion to provide opportunities for people with a new perspective and awareness of capabilities.

“That’s the privilege of the theater, getting to tell those stories,” Baumgardner said.

Baumgardner said she’s not sure if Cotham has been to a Matthews Playhouse program. “We normally try to recognize officials who come to see shows,” she said.

Cotham’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment for this story.

For two years, Matthews Playhouse has offered camps and classes for people with disabilities, specifically related to autism. At the end of camp, students give a small performance for family and friends, and the new funding could do more with the community, Baumgardner said.

“Sometimes you feel like you’re fighting on your own. So to know that there are others out there who are recognizing a need for these types of events and this type of support, at the state level particularly, it is wonderful,” she said. “I hope it encourages other organizations to look at how they can provide or be representative of other groups.”

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