Our Economic Impact

Did you know?

Our website averaged 414,348 hits, 49,447 page views and 27,092 unique visits per month for the last six months of 2019...partners, supporters, participants and artists all benefit as a result of being Pro Portsmouth!

*     *     *     *     *

Since most of our events are free to the public, there's a longstanding misconception
about one of the 'main elements' of each of our festivities...

Did you know that all performers are financially compensated for taking part in our programming?
A review of the past five years indicates that over $125,000+ was paid out for 
the Entertainment that you enjoy at our events!

Another factoid...each year we award $1,000 to the winning artists who design our various event logos (First Night, Market Square Day).

Please read on...

Through the production of our events, Pro Portsmouth plays a valuable role in the Seacoast economy.

It is estimated that non-profits represent about 10% of the area's economy (Executive Service Corps, NH - 2002). In a very measurable way, we are a vital part of the continued economic prosperity of Portsmouth, the Seacoast, New Hampshire and Southern Maine.

The production of our events - Children's Day, Market Square Day, Summer In The Street and First Night® Portsmouth - has an immediate, as well as long-term, impact on the economy. The residual effect of the 100,000 + people who attend our events each year, while more difficult for us to measure, cannot be overlooked or denied. Local businesses, restaurants, hotels and stores all benefit from our programs both during our events as well as on return visits to the Seacoast. Our signature events also provide the opportunity for 'locals' to meet, greet and congregate in the Port City's 'living room': Market Square.

In fact, based on the Americans for the Arts Prosperity Calculator (2017), Pro Portsmouth events benefit the region with an economic impact of $3.5 million.

Pro Portsmouth, Inc. (PPI) is a non-profit classified as a 501c (3) by the Internal Revenue Service. All sponsorships and donations directly benefit the efforts of Pro Portsmouth and its' Mission to promote the Arts, Culture, History and Community of Portsmouth and the Seacoast through events and Community collaboration.

Pro Portsmouth is comprised of a volunteer Board of Directors, an Executive Director and a Volunteer base of dedicated area citizens who make our events a reality.

Experience tells us that perception is reality. Our 'reality' is this: Many people know what we do; however, there are misconceptions about who we are - often leading to misunderstandings, most often financial in nature, about our organization. While we work closely with many groups, we are, in fact, not the City of Portsmouth, the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce or the State of New Hampshire. Consequently, Pro Portsmouth depends solely on the donations of sponsors and underwriters for funding. Although we appreciate positive working relationships that we've forged over time, it is worth noting that we do not receive funding from the State, City or Chambers of Commerce. How do we exist? Where is the money? Well, area businesses - both large and small - provide the monies that sustain our organization and afford us the opportunity to continue to produce our program of work - our events.

Donations made to us by utilizing Network For Good and our Shareholders' Programs also assist with regard to our overall fiscal health.

As a four time participant in the Americans for the Arts Economic Prosperity Survey, Pro Portsmouth is proud to be a contributor to the creative community of Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Here's to the next forty-three years...

*     *     *     *     *