KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A seven-figure anonymous donation is giving The Colonial  Theatre and its SHOWROOM venue a major financial boost as the historic performing arts organization plans for long-term stability in its second century.

The $1 million gift, announced this week by the organization, will be directed toward growing its endowment — a financial foundation leaders say is increasingly critical for historic theaters facing rising costs and uncertain revenue. Information about the donation and its intended impact was provided by The Colonial Theatre and SHOWROOM.

Executive Director Keith Marks said the contribution represents more than generosity; it signals confidence in the institution’s future and its role in the Monadnock Region.

An endowment, Marks explained, allows an organization to rely on investment income to help cover ongoing expenses, rather than depending solely on ticket sales and annual fundraising. For historic venues like The Colonial, those expenses can be significant, ranging from insurance and utilities to staffing, programming and constant building maintenance.

Across the country, many theaters in communities similar in size to Keene have struggled to keep their doors open, with some ultimately closing due to the high cost of operating aging facilities. Leaders at The Colonial say the new gift helps guard against that fate by strengthening financial resilience and supporting responsible, long-term planning.

Income generated by the endowment will be used to offset operating costs, support artistic programming and maintain accessibility for audiences, according to the organization. Marks said the goal is to ensure the theater can continue serving the community without sacrificing quality or affordability.

The donor, who chose to remain unnamed, was motivated by what they saw as strong momentum and creative energy across both The Colonial Theatre and the SHOWROOM. The gift is intended not only to provide immediate support, but also to encourage others to consider investing in the theater’s future.

As The Colonial enters its second century, building a robust endowment is viewed as a key step in preserving live performance, film screenings and community events as fixtures of Keene’s cultural life. Organization leaders hope the announcement will spark broader community engagement around sustaining the historic venue for generations to come.