One big month cut the Center of Anna Maria Island’s deficit by more than a third.
The nonprofit recorded $132,210.66 in net income in December 2025, bringing its cumulative deficit for fiscal 2025-26 from $350,854.83 to $218,644.17, according to a provided report.
Six months into the fiscal year, which began July 1, 2025, the center only recorded two positive months — October and December.
In October, the nonprofit made $34,407.15 on the back of its fundraising, cutting into a $322,351.98 cumulative deficit through the prior month — the highest mark so far.
However, the center recorded another negative month in November and added $62,910 to the deficit, bringing it to a deficit of $350,854.83.
The explosion of income in December was — like October — owed to fundraising efforts.
The month featured a loaded events schedule, including the Lester Family Fun Day, the Blue Oyster Cult concert, Family Fun Night and a Bingo Night.
It also marked the beginning of the center’s Lighting the Path annual fundraising campaign, which raised $240,000 from 117 donors.
The campaign ended in January, so it is unclear how much of the $296,120.48 of fundraising revenue recorded in December can be attributed to it, since a financial report for the first month of 2026 was not released as of Islander press time.
Despite the two big fundraising months, the nonprofit’s overall fundraising marks are down compared to last year.
Through the first six months of fiscal 2024-25, the center earned $1,031,437 in fundraising revenue and $252,450 in direct costs, resulting in $778,987 in fundraising income.
Through the first six months of fiscal 2025-26, the nonprofit tallied $588,615 in fundraising revenue and $293,185 in direct costs, resulting in $295,429 in fundraising income — $483,558 less than last year.
On the other hand, the center’s programming has held steady.
While the nonprofit has spent 25% more on direct costs for its programs compared to last year, it has earned 30% more in program revenues.
That has earned the center $182,196 in program income so far this fiscal year.
Moving forward, the nonprofit has an array of fundraising events that could help it climb out of the hole.
The center will host a concert on Saturday, Feb. 14, headlined by the Atlanta Rhythm Section, an American Southern rock band best known for its song “Imaginary Lover,” which reached No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.
The final concert in this year’s series will be headlined by John Oates, cofounder of the rock duo Hall & Oates, and The Good Road Band on Sunday, March 1.
March’s event schedule also includes the center’s 2026 Murder Mystery theater, set for Friday-Saturday, March 6-7, and a wine tasting event Saturday, March 28.
People can learn more about the center and its events by visiting its website, centerami.org, or by calling 941-778-1908.