NASHVILLE, Ind. – The Brown County Music Center (BCMC) in Nashville announced a gift of $267,000 to invest generously in the Brown County community on Tuesday. Because of the forward-thinking management agreements between BCMC and county leaders, the Brown County Auditor and Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF) will each receive part of the excess revenue generated from the ticket, food, and drink sales at the venue.
In early 2023, the first distribution from the BCMC showed their commitment to the community. With the assistance of a BCCF grant recommendation, the Brown County Volunteer Fire Department received $38,825.50 for new emergency radios to ensure safe and efficient communication across Brown County.
To continue this community impact work, BCMC has entrusted BCCF to distribute funds directly to the community through grants. Through their annual grant process, BCCF has a vetted procedure, including a committee of community members that reviews all applications, along with staff review and full board approval. BCCF has the accounting and reporting systems in place to steward these funds and direct them to the areas of greatest need in the Brown County community.
“The music center is an increasingly impactful part of our community and a strong driver of economic success for all of us. We are grateful to have music center and county government leaders prioritize urgent and important community needs,” said Alice Susemichel, CEO of the BCCF. “The portion entrusted to a long-term endowment ensures a significant impact for future generations.”
The agreement reads that when BCCF receives funds, they are split between supporting Arts and Culture and the greatest community needs at that time. Some of these funds are invested into a long-term endowment so that its income generates grant money each year. The remaining funds are given out through grants.
“We are thrilled to partner with BCCF as they can help to quickly and efficiently address community needs and direct support where it is most needed,” said Christian Webb, Executive Director at BCMC.