Funding the Fields

The Concord-Carlisle fields project is being funded through a public-private partnership, consisting of:

  • $1.5 million in Concord town funds which were voted by Concord's Annual Town Meeting on April 24, 2007;
  • $1.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds which were appropriated by the Community Preservation Committee and ratified at Concord Town Meeting on April 24, 2007; and
  • Private fundraising with a goal of $1.9 million.

Here are answers to some commonly-asked questions about the private funding of the playing fieds plan:

  • Q: What is the money going towards?
    • A: All money raised will help fund the construction of two new multi-purpose playing fields on the property of Concord-Carlisle High School for soccer, lacrosse, and football; two new baseball fields (60- and 90-foot diamonds); an additional multi-purpose grass field; and conversion of an existing baseball field for a first-rate softball facility.
  • Q: What is the private fundraising goal, and when will the campaign end?
    • A: The fundraising goal is $1.9M, and the campaign will close on or before July 4, 2008. This goal includes an anticipated $300,000 in user fees that will be paid by all athletes using the facilities as part of their team/league registration.
  • Q: When did the campaign begin and how much has been raised?
    • A: The campaign began in November, 2006, and to date more than 75 generous donors have contributed/pledged $1.2 million towards the construction of these new facilities.
  • Q: Who has supported the project so far?
    • A: Generous individuals and families living in both Concord and Carlisle have already contributed towards the effort. Similar to ongoing preservation, public housing and other important town initiatives, our donors give because they believe in the value of youth sports, and the important role they play in a vital and balanced community.
  • Q: Are gifts tax deductible?
    • A: Yes. Friends of CC Fields has received its 501©(3) tax status, meaning all gifts can be legally counted as a charitable donation.
  • Q: Can I make a pledge to the fields effort and pay it off over time?
    • A: Yes. Folks who are supporting the fields at $1,000/year or more may make pledges and pay them off over the next three to five years.
  • Q: Have board members of the sports organizations been solicited yet?
    • A: Yes. Every youth sports board (Pop Warner football, Baseball/Softball, Soccer and Lacrosse) has pledged 100% participation in the campaign.
  • Q: What is the range of gifts to date?
    • A: Gifts to date range from as little as $100 to several gifts in the six-figures.
  • Q: Why aren’t the names of donors being made public?
    • A: As with any private fundraising campaign, donors have the right to remain anonymous, and as such we have elected not to make their gifts public.
  • Q: Have national corporations made gifts to the fields in exchange for naming rights?
    • A: No. We intend to approach several local merchants who have historically been supportive of in-town initiatives, but the fields will not be named after corporations.
  • Q: What are the plans for a public portion of the campaign?
    • A: We intend to have several exciting public events to engage the thousands of Concordians who support the fields. We hope these events will help men, women and children of all ages feel a sense of ownership and pride in these new facilities.

If you are interested in making a donation to the Friends of Concord-Carlisle Fields or would like to assist in fundraising for this important project, please contact Phil Gibson by clicking on this link: Contact Phil Gibson.