Charitable Component of Acclaimed Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Names 44 Organizations as 2016 Grant Recipients
Press Release – NASHVILLE, Tenn. — August 2, 2016 — Bonnaroo Works Fund (BWF), the charitable arm of Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, has awarded more than $240,000 in grants to 44 charitable organizations across the state and country. Since the inception of the festival, Bonnaroo and the BWF have given more than $7 million in funding for Coffee County projects and to charitable organizations committed to arts, education and environmental sustainability. The full list of winners is included below.
“This year’s Bonnaroo Works Fund recipients are the backbone of service projects, programs and events across our home state and beyond,” said Nina Miller, BWF Executive Director. “Their important work and steadfast dedication makes Coffee County and all of Tennessee stronger, more vibrant and healthier.
It’s extremely gratifying to help these organizations continue their invaluable contributions to the local community and beyond.”
The Bonnaroo Works Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports local, regional and national organizations that advance the arts, education and environmental sustainability, with a focus on local reinvestment and asset building.
The impact of the BWF can be seen through a number of programs, including Arts at the Airport, the 4th annual public arts project at the Nashville International Airport featuring a Bonnaroo-themed skylight exhibit. Five creative and artistically designed installations were selected from dozens of applicants and will be enjoyed by millions of travelers each year.
“All the festival partners view BWF as an integral component of the Bonnaroo experience,” said Ashley Capps, Co-creator of Bonnaroo and President of BWF. “Through the Fund, we are able to make vital contributions to causes that are important to us, to the state of Tennessee and, more specifically, to the Coffee County community that welcomes us so graciously each year.”
The BWF is a joint effort between Bonnaroo organizers and attendees, with two dollars from every festival ticket allocated to the BWF. In addition, proceeds from festival activities, such as the Silent Auction, Root for Roo, the Bonnaroo 5K Run, Soundwaves Art and Art at Roo, all benefit the Bonnaroo Works Fund and its grant winners. As part of the C’Roo Gooders program, Bonnaroo volunteers “work” during the festival, and based on their volunteer hours, BWF supports the organizations of their choosing. As a result, patrons and fans have a tangible role in the BWF’s commitment to these life-changing organizations.
Bonnaroo Works Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Grants are selected based on criteria including alignment with arts, education or the environment; an ability to sustain their efforts; and demonstrated results and impact. Previous recipients are welcome to reapply each year, but the BWF is always seeking new applicants with innovative approaches to supporting the core missions of the BWF. The next grant cycle will begin in the fall. For more information, click here.
