Our Mission
Our Vision
The Birthplace of Country Music seeks to perpetuate, promote, and celebrate Bristol’s rich musical heritage; to educate and engage audiences worldwide regarding the history, impact, and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions from which we derive our name; and to create recognition, opportunities, and economic benefit for our local and regional communities.
The Museum, Festival, and Radio branches that comprise the Birthplace of Country Music organization are all successful, respected, popular, and acclaimed, and are having a significantly positive impact on Bristol and its surrounding region – both economically and in creating recognition of Bristol’s place in the history of music.
Why We Exist
The Future We Desire
Ernest “Pop� Stoneman Image credit below
Contents
The Carter Family Image courtesy of Dale Jett
05 The Legacy 06 Historical Highlights 08 What Comprises BCM? 10 About the Museum 12 About the Festival 14 About the Radio Station 16 Special Projects 18 How Are We Doing? 20 BCM Impact 21 BCM Achievement 22 Why Support Us? 24 Giving Societies for Individuals, Couples, and Families 28 Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle for Businesses and Organizations 30 Questions & Answers
Jimmie Rodgers Image credit on right*
*Stoneman and Rodgers images on left received from the John Edwards Memorial Foundation Records, #20001, Southern Folklife Collection, Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Historic Downtown Bristol Reproduced with permission from the Bristol Historical Association
The Legacy In the summer of 1927, just two months after Charles Lindbergh made the first flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of St. Louis and during the summer that Babe Ruth was blasting out 60 home runs for the Yankees, record producer Ralph Peer of the Victor Talking Machine Company was making music history in Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia. Between July 25 and August 5 of that year, Peer conducted recording sessions using the new Western Electric electronic microphone during which 19 performers and groups recorded 76 songs. Those sessions – the now famous “Bristol Sessions” have also been called the “Big Bang” of modern country music, and Johnny Cash considered them “the single most important event in the history of country music.”
Ralph Peer Peer Family Archive
The Sessions featured the first recordings of Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family. Rodgers is now referred to as the “Father of Country Music” and was the first person inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The Carter Family, featuring A. P., Sara, and Maybelle Carter, is now known as “The First Family of Country Music” and are also in the Hall of Fame. The 1927 Bristol Sessions not only initiated the careers of these superstar performers, but originated the broad commercialization of country music. Many of the songs and stylings of those sessions still resonate and influence the music of today. For these reasons, the United States Congress officially designated Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia as the “Birthplace of Country Music” in 1998.
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Historical Highlights 1927
1998
2001
The Bristol Sessions take place from July 25 to August 5.
Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia is declared the Birthplace of Country Music by the United States Congress.
The first Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (BRRR) music festival is held in October in downtown Bristol to an audience of approximately 5,000.
2001 – 2005
Reproduced with permission from the Bristol Historical Association
1994 The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) is formed to preserve and promote the musical heritage of the region.
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BCMA operates a small museum and gift shop in the Bristol Mall. A historic building in downtown Bristol is donated to BCMA.
2012 2005 – 2008 BCMA relocates downtown to pursue museum concept and begins to conduct fundraising feasibility studies.
An eventful and pivotal year saw significant developments: • BCMA and BRRR formally merged to form the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) • The funds for the Museum were secured • Construction began on the Museum
2014 August 1, 2014 – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, opens.
2009 – 2011
2015
Pre-construction activities begin on the Museum. BRRR and BCMA, separate 501(c)(3); nonprofit organizations, begin exploring a merger; and in January of 2011, move jointly into the current BCM offices at 416 State Street on a trial basis.
An economic impact study shows the impact of the 2015 Festival was $16.1 million from non-regional visitors. In August, Radio Bristol goes on the air broadcasting from the Museum with one FM channel and three streaming channels.
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What Comprises
The Birthplace of Country Music?
Our Branches Birthplace of Country Music Museum The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, seeks to explore the history, impact and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions through educational, engaging, and fun experiences.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival is produced to promote and celebrate Bristol’s musical heritage, entertain and delight those attending, and bring recognition and economic benefit to our local and regional communities.
Radio Bristol Radio Bristol educates audiences worldwide regarding Bristol’s rich musical heritage, promotes BCM and Bristol, and entertains its audiences with high-quality programming.
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Our Core Beliefs
Our Core Values
• Bristol’s place in the history of music is legitimate, significant, and should be recognized, celebrated, taught, and shared.
• Integrity: We value honesty and ethical behavior in all that we do and we will never compromise integrity.
• We have a responsibility as stewards and advocates of Bristol’s musical heritage to honor, protect, and preserve that heritage and to create broad awareness of that heritage so that it is passed down to future generations.
• Accountability: We value accountability and recognize we are accountable and responsible for our decisions and actions.
• The experiences we provide to our diverse audiences should be educational, stimulating, accessible, inspiring, and fun.
• Excellence: We value excellence and will strive for excellence in all aspects of our organization.
• We must strive for excellence through the use of best practices, diligent planning, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our organization.
• Teamwork: We value teamwork and believe in collaborative interaction within our internal team and with our volunteers, and in mutually beneficial interactions and alliances with other museums, agencies, groups, and organizations.
• We must guard the public trust by being transparent in our plans and actions, by being meticulous in the development and implementation of best practices and policies, and ultimately, by being successful in carrying out our mission.
• Diligence: We value diligence and will work in a conscientious, constant, dedicated, and persistent manner towards achieving our mission. • Determination: We value determination and we will be courageous and resolute in pursuing our objectives. • Joy: We value joy and will work to bring pleasure and happiness to our patrons and audiences. • Creativity: We value creativity and innovation and understand that thinking about what might be is essential for future success in a constantly changing world. • Learning: We value continuous and never-ending learning as the basis for continuous improvement. • Communities: We value all of our communities – our local and regional community, our many and diverse audiences, and our communities of colleagues (in museums, festivals, radio, music, tourism, and education), both for the support they give us and for the opportunity to act as a strong anchor and resource to those communities.
Steep Canyon Rangers BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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About the Museum The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings, explores how evolving sound technology shaped their success, and highlights how this rich musical heritage lives on in today’s music. Through text and artifacts, multiple theater experiences, and interactive displays – along with a variety of educational programs, music performances, and community events – the exciting story of these recording sessions and their far-reaching influence comes alive.
The Museum provides multiple interactive, fun, and educational experiences for both the young and the young at heart. 10
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Museum Immersion Theater
Birthplace of
Country Music
Museum
Fast Facts • Opened August 1, 2014 • An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution • Encompasses over 24,000 square feet on two levels • Numerous awards for exhibits and programs • Has received visitors from all 50 states and over 40 foreign countries
Family Fun Day The Education Department aims to deepen the museum experience for visitors of all ages and levels of interest. We provide hands-on experiences and create dynamic, educational field trips for school groups. We also provide a wide assortment of events such as films, workshops, and lectures geared toward an adult population as well as games, crafts, and learning activities for kids. The Museum Store Tennessee Ernie Ford Special Exhibit Rotating exhibits created in-house, by guest curators, or by other institutions (including the Smithsonian), are featured in the Special Exhibits Gallery.
“I heard the museum was good before I went... and I was still astounded”. – Wayne Bell, Retired Judge and Corporate Council for United Company
The Museum Store features the handcrafted goods of over 50 regional juried artisans plus a wide variety of educational and fun Birthplace of Country Music souvenirs and gifts. BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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About the Festival Bristol – Celebrating and promoting Bristol and its role in the history of American music Rhythm – Focusing on the rhythms of diverse but related music genres to excite and delight our audiences
&
Roots – Creating awareness of the deep musical roots established in Bristol and putting roots music on display Reunion – Providing a venue and a reason to reunite with family and friends, and bringing musicians from all over America together in Bristol
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Bristol Rhythm &
Roots Reunion “The festival is a wonderful event for the community – a vibrant and magical experience.” – Russell Leonard, CEO, Electro-Mechanical
Fast Facts • The first Festival in 2001 had approximately 5,000 in attendance • The Festival’s attendance has grown to over 40,000 each year • A study showed the 2015 Festival had a $16.1 million economic impact • Rolling Stone’s “Top 20 Tours and Festivals” • Grand Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association
Festival patrons enjoy downtown venues. The Festival brings friends together and reunites families to enjoy the music and excitement in an unforgettable place.
Buddy Guy The Festival is host to over 120 bands bursting with creative passion, electricity, and soul.
Over 800 volunteers donate their time, energy, and support to make the Festival a reality. With the help of these volunteers, the Festival has had a significant economic impact for local and regional businesses each year. BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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About the Radio Station Radio Bristol is a network of channels that showcase the diversity of American roots music from the early recording era to today. Reaching the world through our online media player and mobile app, Radio Bristol produces original programming through recordings and live sessions from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and surrounding region.
Radio Bristol produces original programming through recordings and live sessions from the Museum and the Bristol, Tennessee/ Virginia region. 14
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Farm and Fun Time House Band: Bill and the Belles
“Eastman Credit Union is delighted to support Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time show. It’s an honor and privilege to assist BCM in preserving the local heritage that makes this region great.” - Olan O. Jones, CEO, Eastman Credit Union.
Radio Bristol
Fast Facts • Radio Bristol offers one low power FM channel (WBCM) and three streaming channels. • Radio Bristol added a video channel to the website and app in 2016. • Individuals from more than 130 countries stream Radio Bristol through the website and app. Radio Bristol is a radio station and online media center that listeners can find on the dial at 100.1FM, online, or through an app on their mobile device. Programming focuses primarily on American roots music. Our free streaming content includes four channels:
WBCM 100.1 FM
AMERICANA
Streaming from the Museum, WBCM features live programming that highlights the diversity of roots and country music, while also streaming live performances from Radio Bristol Sessions, Farm and Fun Time, and other Radio Bristol events.
Featuring a diverse selection of contemporary artists, as showcased at our annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival.
C L ASS I C
V I D EO
Playing the greats, and more obscure artists of oldtime, bluegrass, and country music, and including archival material and rare recordings from America’s past.
Radio Bristol Video features recorded live performances from our featured shows - Farm and Fun Time, Radio Bristol Sessions, Radio Bristol Premieres, and other Radio Bristol programs.
• Radio Bristol brought back the historic WCYB radio show Farm and Fun Time in 2016.
Worldwide Listening Audiences 130+ Countries
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Special Projects The Birthplace of Country Music continues to be involved with several special projects. Below is a list of three of these notable projects; however, there are many additional projects that BCM is involved with during the year.
Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited - CD Project Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited is a double-CD produced by Grammy Award-winner Carl Jackson and by executive producer and Bristol native Rusty Morrell. The CD project includes 37 tracks – 18 songs and 19 spoken word tracks that provide context. WSM Radio disc jockey and country music historian Eddie Stubbs narrates the project and a who’s who of country artists recorded new versions of the 1927 classics. Artists include Ashley & Shannon
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Campbell, The Chuck Wagon Gang, The Church Sisters, Sheryl Crow, Larry Cordle, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Corbin Hayslett, Carl Jackson, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Steve Martin, Jesse McReynolds, Keb’ Mo’, Ashley Monroe, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, The Shotgun Rubies, Marty Stuart, Steep Canyon Rangers, and The Virginia Luthiers. The album was recorded between 2013 and 2015 and was released by Sony Legacy Recordings on May 12, 2015.
Vince Gill and Carl Jackson
Country Music A Documentary by Ken Burns
Born in Bristol Documentary Film Born in Bristol is a one-hour documentary profiling the recording of Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited. The film was produced by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Plan A Films, a Sundance award-winning company. The film highlights interviews with artists from the Orthophonic Joy album as well as historians and other country music artists about the importance of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. In addition, the film also features a recreation of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. Dramatic scenes were shot over a two-week period in December 2015. The Birthplace of Country Music staff worked with Plan A Films to help secure locations in and around Historic Downtown Bristol to recreate the story of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings. A number of local musicians, actors, and extras were cast in the film. The film is scheduled to debut in 2017 on a national broadcast.
For more than three decades, Ken Burns and his colleagues at Florentine Films — directors, writers, producers, editors, and cinematographers — have produced some of the most critically acclaimed and most watched documentaries on public television including The Civil War, The Dust Bowl, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, Jazz, Baseball, The Roosevelts, and many others. Florentine Films currently has the documentary Country Music in production and scheduled to air on PBS in 2019. BCM has hosted members of the Florentine Film team in Bristol, has provided requested documents and information, and continues to assist and cooperate with Florentine Films upon their request. The eight-episode, 16 1/2hour series is not complete, but we have been told that the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions will be an important part of Episode One.
Stephen Foster playing Jimmie Rodgers BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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? doing How A re We 18
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Accomplishments that demonstrate we are executing The Birthplace of Country Music Museum • Visitors from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. • Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC – Peer Gold Award for Bound to Bristol orientation film • Southeastern Museums Conference – Media Production Gold Award for Greasy Strings film • British Guild of Travel Writers – Highly Commended Award • American Association for State and Local History – Leadership in History Award (highest national honor)
• Various Awards of Excellence and Commendation for permanent and special exhibits, multimedia elements, and programming • Southeastern Museums Conference – Gold Award of Excellence for permanent exhibits • As a result of the Museum, Bristol was recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a Top 10 place to visit in the world • Highly positive articles in The New York Times, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The Tennessean, The Richmond Times Dispatch, and many more
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Music Festival • A comprehensive economic impact study was conducted in 2015 by a reputable research firm, showing that the Festival generated a $16.1 million economic impact by non-regional visitors. • Southeast Festivals and Events Association – “Best Festival” Gold Award • Southeast Tourism Society – “Top 20” Event List
• American Bus Associations – List of Top 100 Events in North America • International Festival & Events Association – “Grand Pinnacle Bronze Award” • Southeast Tourism Society – “Best Festival” • Listed among Rolling Stone’s Top 20 tours and festivals
our mission and working towards our vision: Radio Bristol
Management & Governance
• Began with one low power FM channel and three streaming channels in August of 2015; added video streaming channel in 2016 • Independent tracking has shown that we have individuals streaming Radio Bristol worldwide from over 130 countries • Revived Farm and Fun Time, a historic live radio show on WCYB from the mid-1940s until the early 1960s that was instrumental in establishing the careers of the Stanley Brothers, Flatt & Scruggs, and other bluegrass icons
• Developed individual comprehensive (strategic and operational) business plans for the Festival, the Museum, and the Radio Station, plus an overarching plan for the entire organization • Established a continuous improvement and “strive for excellence” mentality within the staff and Board of Directors • Instituted numerous procedures, policies, and protocols to provide management controls • Ensured that BCM is operated and governed in accordance with general nonprofit best practices
WE ARE JUST GETTING STARTED!
We need YOU on our team today! Marty Stuart at the Festival BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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BCM Impact ”Impact” is generally first thought of in terms of economic benefit – and our economic impact is very significant. Not only do we bring tens of thousands of visitors to Bristol each year, but our presence has played a major role in the revival of downtown Bristol and supported the start up and sustainability of numerous local businesses. Beyond the direct economic impact, BCM creates a strong sense of pride in the community and the surrounding region. The legacy we are perpetuating and celebrating is important to the history of American music. We present educational programs in the museum and outreach in schools so students will gain an understanding of our region’s musical legacy. This instills them with pride and strengthens their ties to the community. We provide programs that intersect music, science, technology, and history. These programs integrate the arts into lessons on innovation, highlighting sound technology and the science of sound.
“The adjacent Birthplace of Country Music Museum was a key factor in our decision to move forward with the revitalization of Executive Plaza into The Bristol Hotel with a capital investment of over $20 million.” – Marcus McCall, Developer, The Bristol Hotel
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BCM Achievements Since our inception in December 2012, we have: • Built and opened the $13.4 million Birthplace of Country Music Museum without a major capital campaign • Launched Radio Bristol • Continued to produce the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival each year • Produced and/or participated in numerous special projects and events • Trained hundreds of local volunteers • Brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to Bristol for the Museum and the Festival with substantial economic impact • Educated thousands of children and adults through education programs and outreach • Carefully assembled an efficient, effective, and dedicated staff • Adopted and implemented legally compliant best practices in all aspects of governance by our Board of Directors to protect the public trust
Museum Patrons BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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Why Su
pport
Us?
Because...
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You Believe in Our Mission and Vision We need your help to accomplish our Mission and progress towards our Vision. Seeing your name displayed in the Museum tells everyone you are a vital part of our work and legacy.
You See Our Impact and What We Have Accomplished So Far We have a highly successful Festival that has a tremendous economic impact on our region, a well respected Museum built without a major capital campaign, and a Radio Station that is being streamed worldwide.
Museums Must Be Supported by Their Community The Museum is a jewel of Bristol and needs support from the community. According to the American Alliance of Museums, the average museum in the US earns about 27% of its revenue from earned income (admissions, store sales, rentals, etc.). The rest must come from all levels of government support and private charitable giving.
We Are Creating an Even Better Place to Live, Work, and Play Few Bristolians and others from our region can experience our high-tech Museum without feeling a strong sense of pride. Music lovers and artists cite the Festival as one of their favorite experiences. We have played a major role in the revival of Historic Downtown Bristol, and businesses state that the Museum and Festival play a major role in their decision to locate downtown.
“The Birthplace of Country Music is a unique and effective organization with a very positive impact on our culture, our history, our tourism, and on the perception of our region to the world at large. We are a better and stronger region because of their great work.” – Richard Rose, Barter Theatre
We Impact Children in Important Ways Through education, outreach and programming, we help introduce students to the arts, thereby stimulating creative and innovative thinking that will aid them in whatever life path they choose to follow. Teaching students about the important role Bristol has played in the history of American music instills hometown and regional pride.
BCM is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation That Needs to be Profitable Gifts to BCM are tax deductible. As a nonprofit organization, any profits received must go back into the organization to further its mission. We must be profitable to be sustainable, to grow, and to continuously improve.
We Are Doing It Right We have a dedicated staff, a volunteer Board of Directors, and numerous active volunteers who are working diligently to operate our business in accordance with best practices. We have comprehensive business plans for the Festival, Museum, and Radio Station as well as an overarching business plan for the entire organization. Our governance policies and other governance documents are current and strong.
Carson Peters at the Festival BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org |
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The 1927 Society is the primary giving society for individuals, couples, and families. Membership is based on support given during a rolling 12-month period.
“I support BCM financially and with my time (as volunteer Senior advisor and Board member) because BCM is having, and will continue to have, a tremendously positive impact on our community both economically and in how Bristol is perceived by both residents and visitors. This organization is vibrant, exciting, and focused on continuously improving and striving for excellence.� – Keith Liskey, Chief Operating Officer (Retired), Strongwell Corporation
THE 1927 SOCIETY GIVING LEVELS & BENEFITS Fan
$250–$499 1927 Society membership card that allows unlimited entry to the Museum
Advocate
$500–$999
Promoter
Ambassador
Benefactor
$1,000–$2,499 $2,500–$4,999 $5,000–$9,999
Champion $10,000+
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Listed at level in Donor Display at Museum, in newsletter, and on website 1927 Society newsletter 1927 Society decal and lapel pin Single-day Museum passes to share with others Smithsonian membership* Opportunity to purchase a limited number of Festival tickets at lowest available price Invitation to 1927 Society Concert Series Contribution will count toward inclusion in the Unbroken Circle Society
Single discounted rental at Museum (based on availability) Complimentary weekend Festival tickets Complimentary tickets (2) to quarterly 1927 Society Concert Series
* A Smithsonian membership includes a subscription to Smithsonian Magazine and various discounts at Smithsonian and affiliated museums.
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Giving Societies
For Individuals, Couples, and Families CURRENT, CUMULATIVE, AND FUTURE BCM’s three giving societies were created to recognize annual, cumulative, and planned giving by our generous supporters who believe in BCM’s mission and want to help us achieve our vision.
The 1927 Society The 1927 Society is for individuals, couples, and families. Membership is based on giving during a rolling 12-month period.
The Unbroken Circle Society The Unbroken Circle Society is a cumulative giving society for individuals (including couples and families) designed to recognize the impact an individual has made over their lifetime.
The Legacy Society The Legacy Society is designed to recognize those individuals whose gifts will benefit BCM in the future through estate gifts or other planned giving opportunities.
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The Unbroken Circle Society The Unbroken Circle Society is a cumulative giving society designed to recognize the impact individuals have made over their lifetime. All donations made to the Birthplace of Country Music beginning December 2012 will count toward inclusion in this society.
BENEFIT Member’s name will appear on a display in the Museum and website and will reflect increases in giving over time.
Unbroken Circle Giving Levels Artist Rising Star
$10,000–$19,999
Headliner
$20,000–$49,999
Legend
$50,000–$99,999
Hall of Fame
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$5,000–$9,999
$100,000+
The Legacy Society The Legacy Society is designed to recognize individuals whose gifts will benefit BCM in the future through estate gifts or other planned giving opportunities.
BENEFIT Member’s name will appear on display at Museum and on website.
The Legacy Giving Structure Inclusion in the Legacy Society begins at a planned gift of $10,000 or more in wills, estate plans, or other forms of planned giving.
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Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle For Businesses and Organizations Our Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle was created to recognize the generous support of businesses, organizations, and foundations that provide essential support to our organization. The Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle is based on direct support to the Birthplace of Country Music’s annual operating fund. Underwriting and Sponsorships do not qualify.
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Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle
Giving Levels & Benefits Supporter
Partner
Investor
Builder
Leader
Pillar
Cornerstone
$250– $499
$500– $999
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$5,000– $9,999
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Questions & Answers What is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization?
Doesn’t BCM make a profit on the Festival?
As defined by the Internal Revenue Code of the United States, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is exempt from taxes, can receive tax-deductible donations from donors, and may not distribute profits, but rather must use any profits to further the mission of the organization, which must meet certain defined criteria. What has been the source of BCM funding so far? BCM was able to open the Museum with individual support, state funding from Virginia and Tennessee, and Federal New Market and Historic Tax Credits. Through diligent oversight and cost containment, we were able to realize a surplus at the end of the project to be used for operations. Those funds, plus continued private donations, funding from the cities of Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, various grants, and revenues created from our branches (Festival, Radio, Museum admissions, Museum Store sales, etc.), have kept us economically strong. Will BCM continue government entities?
to
be
supported
by
We hope so, but the political climate is always changing and that support is, in some cases, tenuous. BCM will continue to make its case to local, state, and federal governments for support based on our mission and proven impact. We believe we provide a good return on investment for that support.
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Yes. The Festival is budgeted to make a profit and has done so virtually every year, making it a positive financial contributor to BCM. Nevertheless, we need substantial support from our fundraising efforts to sustain the overall operations of BCM. Can the Museum become self-sustaining in the future? That is unlikely. The average museum in the United States receives only 27% of its income from operating revenue (admissions, store sales, rentals, etc.). That means that an average of 73% must come from all levels of government and from private donors. We continually work hard to increase revenues from admissions and other sources. I (we) have been contributing to BCM in the past. Will those gifts count toward cumulative giving? Yes. All gifts made to BCM since the organization was formed in December 2012 will count towards the Unbroken Circle Society. I (we) made contributions to BCM in the previous year. Will those gifts count towards The 1927 Society? Yes. Membership in The 1927 Society is based on gifts made during a rolling 12-month period.
What assurance can be provided that there are no exorbitant salaries at BCM and that cost control is a focus of the Board of Directors? As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our IRS form 990 is public record. There is not one single position at BCM that is overpaid – to the contrary, compensation levels are low based on current data for nonprofits in the Southeast. The staff is also considered “skeletal” for the operations of BCM and is leveraged by many volunteers. The Board of Directors understands its fiduciary responsibilities – particularly in regard to ensuring BCM’s financial viability. I am impressed by what is being accomplished. What can I do to help beyond contributing money? Volunteer for the Festival, the Museum, or Radio Bristol. Offer to serve on a committee. We train volunteers on an ongoing basis and always need more. Are payment options available when giving my donation? Payment options for annual fund contributions are available. We accept all major credit cards, bank drafts, checks, and cash. Payment can be made monthly, quarterly, or annually.
YOU can make a real difference!
The Birthplace of Country Music P.O. Box 1927 | Bristol, VA 24203 (423) 573-1927 | BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org