The Shadow
Editor’s Note: The article is the first in a series to tell the story of the ways that The Alleghany Foundation has provided funding to benefit the Alleghany Highlands.
Since its formation in June of 1995 from funds derived from the sale of the Alleghany Regional Hospital, The Alleghany Foundation has funded $57,543,705 in grants, millions of dollars going to seven arts organizations.
From the highest to the lowest amount of funding received by the seven arts organizations, the Masonic Theatre Preservation Foundation (MTPF) has by far received the most financial support via eight grants funded for $3,094,801.
Mary Fant Donnan, executive director of The Alleghany Foundation, remarked, “Of that amount (MTPF funding), about 80% provided the equity for a complex financing project that brought in outside funds toward the renovation costs to restore this magnificent community treasure.”
She continued, “This restoration was accomplished through collaboration with the Town of Clifton Forge, which owns the building, and a lot of work by volunteers.”
“It was considered one step in the positive work of the Town of Clifton Forge as it continues the ongoing revitalization efforts,” she added.
The total received by MTPF is near twice the amount that the Town of Clifton Forge has received for its 27 grants funded for $1,799,627.
The Alleghany Highlands Arts Council has received the second highest amount of funding of the seven, $1,619,534 for 24 grants.
Third highest amount of funding approved has been awarded to the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center, $924,678 via 19 grants funded.
The fourth highest amount garnered from grants approved by The Alleghany Foundation has gone to help the Clifton Forge Company-The Clifton Forge School of the Arts, with five grants totaling $306,454.
Fifth on the list is Garth Newell Music Center, with 10 grants approved for $188,896.
Appalfolks of America Association remains in sixth place for the most funds received with one grant funded for $84,000.
Mill Mountain Theatre is seventh on the list with one grant funded for $7,500.
The Alleghany Foundation has funded 68 grants for the seven arts organizations for a total of $6,225,863.
Donnan observed, “Funding for arts organizations is considered an important strategy within the foundation’s Economic Transformation area of focus.”
“These arts organizations provide services and opportunities that enhance the quality of life for current residents, create positive experiences and a sense of place for residents and visitors alike, and are amenities communities need to attract businesses and jobs in today’s economy,” she noted.
Appalfolks of America Association received the first matching grant awarded by The Alleghany Foundation, a $130,000 grant that required Appalfolks to raise $39,000 within a year. After raising the $39,000, Appalfolks used the funds for restoring the Historic Stonewall Theatre that Appalfolks owned for 12 years before donating the theatre to the Town of Clifton Forge in 2003.
The Town renamed the theatre The Historic Masonic Theatre and authorized the MTPF to complete the restoration work that had taken place from 1991-2003.
MTPF closed the theatre in 2010, and the $6.9 million restoration was completed by July 2016 with the help of The Alleghany Foundation.
The reason for the $84,000 figure listed for Appalfolks is that $6,000 was returned to The Alleghany Foundation which had provided $90,000 via the match. The reason for the return of funds was that the insulation work in the theatre’s basement had not been completed within the grant’s timeframe required.
Donnan said, “Coming out of the pandemic, each of these groups is eager to engage with community members.”
She concluded by saying that she encourages everyone to see one of the free movies at the Masonic, buy a ticket to one of the shows, enjoy browsing the galleries, or sign up for a class this year.”
The Alleghany Foundation accepts grant proposals year-round, and 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organizations may submit grant proposals electronically online by visiting The Alleghany Foundation’s website.
