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Friday, March 6, 2009
Tennessee Rep Meets $100,000 Challenge Grant: Critically Acclaimed Theatre Sees Outpouring of Community Support. But, a lot of work is still to be done.
Nashville, TN—Tennessee Repertory Theatre, Middle Tennessee’s flagship professional regional theatre, has met its challenge grant opportunity. At the end of January, Tennessee Rep announced it had to raise $100,000 to receive an equal amount from an anonymous Nashville arts philanthropist. The challenge grant was the donor’s local response to the economic crisis which has left U.S. cultural organizations reeling.
“Our anonymous donor truly provided the spark that ignited this campaign,” says Tennessee Rep Producing Artistic Director René D. Copeland. “We are also extremely grateful for the contributions, large and small, which came from so many supporters who answered the call. The response clearly indicates an interest in the future of Tennessee Rep and it says a lot about Nashville that having a professional regional theatre in town is important to its citizens across the economic spectrum. We are honored and inspired by the response, and will continue to work hard to keep serving Nashville as it deserves.”
The strategy employed by Tennessee Rep included a viral approach which featured e-mail campaigns, social networking media, and a video appeal via YouTube. Responses came from across the country as a result of the month-long initiative.
A wide range of individuals, community organizations, and businesses helped both in raising funds and awareness.
- Students at Harpeth Hall, Montgomery Bell Academy, and the University School of Nashville hosted an “Improv Night” with the proceeds benefitting Tennessee Rep.
- A single mother made a donation of $10 with a note that expressed her support of live professional theatre.
- Many media outlets donated advertising and editorial space to help spread the word about Tennessee Rep’s challenge grant opportunity and campaign.
- Area businesses have offered benefit days where a percentage of sales has been donated to Tennessee Rep.
“Everyone who needed to step up to the plate and work together to wage a successful campaign came through with flying colors. The passion of the staff, the energy of the board of directors, and the leadership as exhibited by board president Ed Benson have been key,” according to Copeland.
“Without the hard work and support of the entire staff, board of directors, and advisory council, we would not have been able to reach this initial fundraising goal,” says Ed Benson, president of Tennessee Rep’s board of directors. “While there is still a lot of work to be done to secure Tennessee Rep’s long-term fiscal stability, the effort of the board and support from the community demonstrated during the past month is very encouraging.
“The current economic climate continues to affect all not-for-profit organizations, and there will need to be ongoing fund-raising efforts from everyone,” Benson continues. “Tennessee Rep is no different if it wants to survive the downturn in the economy. Continued community support through donations and the purchase of tickets is critical to the future of Tennessee Rep.”
Tax deductible donations to Tennessee Rep can still be made securely and directly by clicking the donate button above or by mailing a check to Tennessee Repertory Theatre, 161 Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203.