Still, the multimillion-dollar show must go on, and Spoleto needs corporate support.

“Does the state funding cutback and economic slowdown have the potential to cutback the festival? Yes,” said Carlos Evans, treasurer of the Spoleto board of directors. “Spoleto as a whole will never be able to pay for itself without contributions, corporate donations and state funding. No arts organization in the country can do that.”

Because the festival’s fiscal year doesn’t end until August, organizers still hope to generate enough donations to push the show back in the black.

In addition, donors have gotten tight with the buck as the economy slumps. Corporate donations are down more than 10%. In 2006, Spoleto received more than $2.4 million in contributions, according to its latest tax filing with the Internal Revenue Service. Coupled with government grants, that covered about half of the festival’s expenses with ticket revenue covering the rest.

“One donor last year who gave $100,000 gave $25,000 this year,” (Spoleto executive director Nigel) Redden said. “Another donor was down 50% in their contribution.”