If you missed the Sept. 30 deadline for doubling your donation to the Confluence Project, don’t panic: You now have until the end of the year to make a pledge that will be matched by a challenge grant. Back in June, an anonymous group of donors offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1.5 million in pledges, and as of midnight on Sept. 30, community members had pledged and donated $1.3 million. Because of that generosity, the challenge donors decided to extend the deadline until Dec. 31, meaning you have nearly three more months to procrastinate on helping raise the remaining $200,000 (which, thanks to the challenge grant, will turn into $400,000).

“We have been overwhelmed by the number and extent of gifts that were received, especially over the last week,” said Jill Barland, philanthropy committee co-chairwoman. “As it looked like we were going to be close but not quite there, the donors who issued the initial $1.5 million pledge contacted us and offered to extend the deadline to Dec. 31. They know that many people make their giving decisions closer to the end of the calendar year. They wanted us to take advantage of potential year-end gifts that come because donors consider their tax situations and giving plans. We also know of donors who for whatever reason missed the crucial Sept. 30 deadline. We want to make sure people know that they still can give to the arts center construction and have their gifts qualify for the match.”

Overall, nearly $15 million in philanthropic pledges and donations have gone toward the shared university-community performing arts center. While fundraising will continue, ground will be broken on the project at 5:30pm Thursday, Oct. 6. The public is invited to the ceremony at the corner of Graham Avenue and Gibson Street in downtown Eau Claire. The arts center is expected to be finished in 2018.