History

Coastal Concerts was established in 1999 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation by a group of volunteers dedicated to bringing world-class classical music to audiences in Southern Delaware.  The organization was managed and operated entirely by volunteers until December, 2008, when the Coastal Concerts Board of Directors hired a part-time Executive Director.  The nine Board members are all volunteers.

After initially focusing on residents of Lewes, Delaware and immediately surrounding communities, Coastal Concerts now draws audience members from throughout Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic region.  Educational and outreach programs, as well as marketing activities are targeted to Southern Delaware communities, which are the primary source of support for the organization.  Coastal Concerts is not a membership organization.  Our audiences, donors, and volunteers make up our "membership."

The Coastal Concerts budget for the 2009-2010 concert season is nearly $66,000.  Sales of series subscriptions and individual concert tickets are projected to account for approximately one third of the revenues needed to support that budget.  The remainder of the funds needed must be raised through sales of program booklet advertising, grants, and individual and corporate donations.