Empowering Lives: How The Arc of Washington County Exceeded Its Fundraising Goal
In 2021 the Arc of Washington County launched a bold vision: to modernize its campus, expand programs, and strengthen support for the more than 700 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the organization serves each year.
The nearly 70-year-old, Hagerstown-based nonprofit knew this was no small undertaking. With aging facilities in need of repair and a growing demand for services, The Arc set out to raise $2.5 million in philanthropic gifts through what became known as the Empowering Lives Campaign.
A Community Steps Up
What happened next became a powerful example of what’s possible when vision and community support come together.
Philanthropic goal: $2.5 million
Funds raised: $3 million from generous donors
Additional support: $3 million in government funding
In total, The Arc secured $6 million, fueling renovations and new initiatives that continue to impact lives today.
Building for the Future
The campaign made it possible to:
Modernize two buildings on the Florida Avenue campus, both more than 30 years old
Create a new day and employment services center
Renovate administrative space to better support staff and operations
Expand capacity to serve an additional 100 individuals over the next five years
Beyond the campus improvements, The Arc also sought to build a $1.75 million endowment fund to provide long-term support for staff training, educational scholarships, financial assistance, and technology upgrades.
Generosity in Action
The campaign inspired giving at every level, from individual donors to foundations. Notably, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation contributed $500,000, alongside several six-figure gifts from local businesses and community members.
As Campaign Chairman Blackie Bowen shared at the time, the cause was impossible to ignore:
"Seven hundred people to work with — that's a huge number of families in this community. You can’t say no to this."
For Bowen, the campaign was also personal — his daughter is part of The Arc’s programs, making the success even more meaningful.
Fundraising in Uncertain Times
Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign looked different than most. Instead of large kickoff events, the team relied on phone calls, letters, advertisements, and social media to spread the word. In some ways, this shift made reaching donors easier, as many were at home and available to connect.
The result? A campaign that not only met its goal, but exceeded it.
The Lesson
Looking back, The Arc’s Empowering Lives Campaign stands as proof that bold goals are achievable when strategy, vision, and community come together.
From groundbreaking to ribbon cutting, the campaign transformed facilities, expanded opportunities, and ensured that The Arc can continue empowering lives for decades to come.
