The Sam L. Cohen Foundation has committed $20,000 for donor tracking software. At a time when technology and philanthropy go hand in hand, the ability to improve management and stewardship of donors is critical to the success of any non-profit organization.

The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation has provided operating support in the amount of $15,000.

The National Endowment for the Arts awarded $10,000 through the Access to Artistic Excellence program to support an artist residency with the Le Vent du Nord quartet. PSO and the French-Canadian ensemble will perform orchestral arrangements underwritten by this grant at the March 24 and 25 Pops concerts in Portland's Merrill Auditorium.

Two Maine-based foundations have awarded grants in support of the PSO's education programs: Youth Concerts and KinderKonzerts. The Simmons Foundation has awarded $5,000 and the Fund for Performing Arts in Maine of the Maine Community Foundation awarded $4,000.

PSO Executive Director Ari Solotoff said: "We are deeply appreciative of this expression of support from these agencies, both local and national, private and public, in a time of very exciting and challenging transition for our organization."

By www.portlandsymphony.com