Heritage Foundation of Williamson County
Programs
Budget
$200,000.00
Description
Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin's historic downtown core. Working in partnership with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, local businesses and merchants in our historic retail district, the DFA has helped create one of the nation's Main Street success stories. We've earned national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history - a place where community matters. DFA is a membership-based division of the Heritage Foundation. DFA is dedicated to the historic preservation, revitalization and community vibrancy of historic downtown Franklin. DFA serves its members by promoting the downtown historic district, protecting downtown's historic character and charm and strengthening downtown Franklin's economic viability by encouraging growth and diversity.
Program Successes
In May of 1995, Franklin was honored as one of the best downtown areas in the nation when it received one of five "Great American Main Street" awards in the first year of an annual competition held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Since then, accolades have included the "Best Small Town in Tennessee," "America's Most Romantic Main Street" and "One of America's Greatest Antique Destinations," among others. In May 2012, Franklin was ranked #4 on Livability.com's Best Places to Visit for Historic Preservation. In 2014, Travel + Leisure Magazine named Franklin one of "America's Favorite Towns." Garden & Gun magazine named Franklin the "Best Southern Town" following an online readers' poll.
Beneficiaries
Adults
Program Success Monitored By
The Downtown Franklin Association is also an accredited Main Street Program. The Main Street Approach™ offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that is easily tailored to local conditions.
The Main Street Approach is centered on Transformation Strategies. A Transformation Strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district's economy. A program's work on Transformation Strategies should be organized around the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization.
Program Areas Served
None
$200,000.00
Description
Since its founding in 1984, the Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) has spearheaded the revitalization of Franklin's historic downtown core. Working in partnership with property owners, preservationists, city and county government, local businesses and merchants in our historic retail district, the DFA has helped create one of the nation's Main Street success stories. We've earned national recognition as an authentic, eclectic place that offers something for everyone in an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history - a place where community matters. DFA is a membership-based division of the Heritage Foundation. DFA is dedicated to the historic preservation, revitalization and community vibrancy of historic downtown Franklin. DFA serves its members by promoting the downtown historic district, protecting downtown's historic character and charm and strengthening downtown Franklin's economic viability by encouraging growth and diversity.
Program Successes
In May of 1995, Franklin was honored as one of the best downtown areas in the nation when it received one of five "Great American Main Street" awards in the first year of an annual competition held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Since then, accolades have included the "Best Small Town in Tennessee," "America's Most Romantic Main Street" and "One of America's Greatest Antique Destinations," among others. In May 2012, Franklin was ranked #4 on Livability.com's Best Places to Visit for Historic Preservation. In 2014, Travel + Leisure Magazine named Franklin one of "America's Favorite Towns." Garden & Gun magazine named Franklin the "Best Southern Town" following an online readers' poll.
Beneficiaries
Adults
Program Success Monitored By
The Downtown Franklin Association is also an accredited Main Street Program. The Main Street Approach™ offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that is easily tailored to local conditions.
The Main Street Approach is centered on Transformation Strategies. A Transformation Strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district's economy. A program's work on Transformation Strategies should be organized around the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization.
Program Areas Served
None
Budget
$20,000,000.00
Description
What do you love most about Williamson County? Charming downtowns and unique local businesses? Rolling pastures and scenic green space? Historic homes and public buildings? Street festivals and events that showcase our community? These are just a few of the things that make Williamson County such a great place to live and visit. And they didn't happen by accident. Chances are, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County played a role in creating many of things you love most about the place you call home. We are the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the architectural, geographical and cultural resources across all of Williamson County, and our work is integral to the quality of life in our special corner of the world. THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION ACTIVELY WORKS TO PRESERVE THE STORIES AND SPACES OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAMILIES IN THREE MAIN AREAS: Public Preservation Private Preservation Main Street Program
Program Areas Served
None
$20,000,000.00
Description
What do you love most about Williamson County? Charming downtowns and unique local businesses? Rolling pastures and scenic green space? Historic homes and public buildings? Street festivals and events that showcase our community? These are just a few of the things that make Williamson County such a great place to live and visit. And they didn't happen by accident. Chances are, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County played a role in creating many of things you love most about the place you call home. We are the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the architectural, geographical and cultural resources across all of Williamson County, and our work is integral to the quality of life in our special corner of the world. THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION ACTIVELY WORKS TO PRESERVE THE STORIES AND SPACES OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY FAMILIES IN THREE MAIN AREAS: Public Preservation Private Preservation Main Street Program
Program Areas Served
None
Budget
$2,319,179.00
Description
From 1937 -2007, the Franklin Theatre stood as a testament to a simpler way of life. But time eventually took its toll, and the doors closed. Rather than lose the heart of Main Street, the Heritage Foundation stepped in to rehabilitate the historic landmark. After 3 years of work, and an investment of more than $8 million, the historic Franklin Theatre re-emerged in 2011 better than ever. The new Franklin Theatre continues the cherished tradition of showing movies, but also adds a new dimension to Main Street - live music and shows. Since the Franklin Theatre was restored and reopened, part of its vision has been to be a place where the entire community can come together. We have made this possible by providing our community partners a place to experience art first-hand. The vision of the Franklin Theatre is to be a catalyst for social change, where diverse peoples are unified, lives are touched, and memories are made.
Program Successes
Each year 10-15 nonprofits utilize the Theatre as the space for their annual fundraising events. With reduced rental fees, the nonprofits are able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. We hope to continue offering these reduced rates for fellow nonprofit organizations. The Franklin Theatre has a long-standing partnership with Act Too Players. This children's and youth education program for theatre arts is given significantly, minimal rates to perform their show six to nine different shows a semester with all performances at the historic Franklin Theatre. These partnerships are only possible through additional financial support.
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities - Performing Arts
Beneficiaries
Families
Adults
K-12 (5-19 years)
Long-term Success
While the Heritage Foundation has the mission to save the places that matter, the Franklin Theatre has its own mission. The mission of The Franklin Theatre is to provide world-class performing arts experiences to diverse Williamson County residents and visitors and to be a platform for local philanthropic engagement and education, while providing unparalleled guest service. It is vitally important that the entire community have access to the arts. Not only the shows and movies produced at the Franklin Theatre, but also the architecture and history that each guest enjoys while at the Theatre.
Short-term Success
With financial support from foundations, corporations, and individuals we are able to provide Theatre experiences to audiences at a more affordable cost. Current ticket prices in no way cover the costs associated with the annual operations of The Franklin Theatre. The theatre has plans to implement a ticket subsidy program where teachers, nonprofit leaders and others can request free or reduced tickets to shows for their clients.
Program Areas Served
None
$2,319,179.00
Description
From 1937 -2007, the Franklin Theatre stood as a testament to a simpler way of life. But time eventually took its toll, and the doors closed. Rather than lose the heart of Main Street, the Heritage Foundation stepped in to rehabilitate the historic landmark. After 3 years of work, and an investment of more than $8 million, the historic Franklin Theatre re-emerged in 2011 better than ever. The new Franklin Theatre continues the cherished tradition of showing movies, but also adds a new dimension to Main Street - live music and shows. Since the Franklin Theatre was restored and reopened, part of its vision has been to be a place where the entire community can come together. We have made this possible by providing our community partners a place to experience art first-hand. The vision of the Franklin Theatre is to be a catalyst for social change, where diverse peoples are unified, lives are touched, and memories are made.
Program Successes
Each year 10-15 nonprofits utilize the Theatre as the space for their annual fundraising events. With reduced rental fees, the nonprofits are able to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. We hope to continue offering these reduced rates for fellow nonprofit organizations. The Franklin Theatre has a long-standing partnership with Act Too Players. This children's and youth education program for theatre arts is given significantly, minimal rates to perform their show six to nine different shows a semester with all performances at the historic Franklin Theatre. These partnerships are only possible through additional financial support.
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities - Performing Arts
Beneficiaries
Families
Adults
K-12 (5-19 years)
Long-term Success
While the Heritage Foundation has the mission to save the places that matter, the Franklin Theatre has its own mission. The mission of The Franklin Theatre is to provide world-class performing arts experiences to diverse Williamson County residents and visitors and to be a platform for local philanthropic engagement and education, while providing unparalleled guest service. It is vitally important that the entire community have access to the arts. Not only the shows and movies produced at the Franklin Theatre, but also the architecture and history that each guest enjoys while at the Theatre.
Short-term Success
With financial support from foundations, corporations, and individuals we are able to provide Theatre experiences to audiences at a more affordable cost. Current ticket prices in no way cover the costs associated with the annual operations of The Franklin Theatre. The theatre has plans to implement a ticket subsidy program where teachers, nonprofit leaders and others can request free or reduced tickets to shows for their clients.
Program Areas Served
None
