License to Print Money
Nantucket License Plates Raise Over $1 Million
Written by Katherine Jones
Photography by Kit Noble
What began as a stalled idea to get an antique car its perfect plate has evolved into one of Nantucket’s most unexpected success stories. The Nantucket specialty license plate program, launched by the Nantucket Lighthouse School and driven by community collaboration, has now surpassed $1.1 million in distributed funds for local nonprofits, all of which support programs for island children.
“I have a 1951 antique Buick,” said Robert Sarkisian, founder and chairman of the Nantucket License Plate initiative. “Years ago, I saw an application at the Steamship Authority for a Nantucket plate sponsored by the Nantucket Charitable Police Association. I filled it out and wrote a check — but nothing happened.” That program, run by a different sponsor at the time, fizzled out before reaching the state’s minimum 1,500 preorders. “It was a Herculean task to get 1,500 people to buy something that didn’t exist yet,” Sarkisian recalled.
Eventually, Sarkisian brought the idea to the Nantucket Lighthouse School, where he was serving as board chair. While there was some initial hesitation, he recognized that the project’s potential could extend well beyond a single institution. “The only way this became a success was when we realized it had to be a community plate,” Sarkisian said. “Once the island got on board, the task became a lot easier.”
Tucker Holland, a member of the Nantucket License Plate board, agreed. “Robert and I both were convinced that whether you’re a year-round resident or a seasonal resident, you’re going to feel good having a Nantucket plate on your car and knowing that that’s benefiting the children on the island,” he said.
In February 2015, the group jump-started the effort by submitting 1,500 prepaid applications to the state. License plates numbered 1-100 were auctioned off, raising more than $250,000. Plate number 1 went for $100,000. Today, more than 6,600 Nantucket plates are on the road. A standard plate costs $60. The Nantucket Specialty plate costs $100 to order, the $40 difference—$12 to the state and $28 to supporting island nonprofits—is tax-deductible. The plate’s largest beneficiary, the Nantucket Lighthouse School, receives 49 percent of proceeds. The remainder is split among 17 partner organizations, including A Safe Place, Fairwinds, the Community Foundation for Nantucket and the Nantucket Boys & Girls Club. The impact from the plates continues to ripple. Sarkisian said he’s seen firsthand how the funds have helped a range of local nonprofits.
“For my own church, the money helped support our children’s education and Sunday school program by supplementing the salary of our children and family minister,” Sarkisian said. “We operate on a tight annual budget, and staying sustainable is always a challenge. But those extra funds can mean school books or a new program within the organization.”
Anyone with a Massachusetts-registered vehicle—resident or not—can order a Nantucket plate online or at any full-service RMV location. To order a plate, visit mass.gov/rmv or stop by the Nantucket RMV.nantucketlicenseplate.org
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