The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial
Park
General Information
Contact Information
Nonprofit
The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial
Park
Address
2565 Park Plaza
Nashville, TN 37203
Phone
(615) 862-6810
Fax
615 862-5493
Web Site
Web Site
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Email
[email protected]
At A Glance
Year of Incorporation
1985
Former Names
Friends of Centennial Park and the Parthenon
Parthenon Patrons
Athena Fund
1
Mission & Impact
Statements
Mission
The Conservancy's mission is to preserve, enhance and share the Parthenon and Centennial Park so that all
future generations may benefit from these enriching cultural and educational landmarks.
Background
The Conservancy began as The Athena Fund in 1982, when nickels and dimes were collected by
schoolchildren and adult visitors to pay for the creation of the statue Athena. Upon completion of this project in
1990, we became Parthenon Patrons. In 2005, the Board voted to expand the mission and scope of our work to
include Centennial Park, and since 2009 the organization has been called The Conservancy for the Parthenon
and Centennial Park. Today, The Conservancy is responsible for a range of initiatives aimed at maintaining the
park’s vibrancy, including Musicians Corner, free weekly concerts in the spring and fall months, and the
Centennial Park restoration project to revitalize and transform the park into a model of ecological practice and
horticultural excellence. Through fundraisers and private donations, The Conservancy oversees educational
programs, public art exhibits, performing arts, a speaker’s bureau, symposia, classical theatre, docent training at
the Parthenon and preservation of Centennial Park’s landmarks. Although we are a separately chartered
foundation with an IRS designation as a §501(c)(3) organization, The Conservancy was organized with the
cooperation of the Metro Parks & Recreation Department.
Impact
• Received The Frist Foundation Revenue Development Award
• Launched a new adult education program, "The Parthenon Series: Conversations on Art and Architecture."
• Completed Phase One of the Centennial Park restoration project, focused on the dredging and clean-up of
Lake Watauga and the daylighting of Cockrill Spring
• Received private collection of 1897 Tennessee Exposition memorabilia and donated to Parthenon's
permanent collection
• Musicians Corner achieved significant growth, with attendance over 75,000 in 2016, and moved into its
permanent location in Centennial Park, fast becoming the city's premier outdoor family entertainment
destination for free music events
• Enhanced quality of art exhibits at Parthenon, resulting in heightened interest and increased attendance
• Continued to offer excellence in educational programming, with expanded focus on autistic, down syndrome,
visually impaired and other disabled children and adult visitors
• Installed permanent collection of Parthenon Casts and Maquettes in the Parthenon's Treasury Room
• Purchased and donated interactive computers to Parthenon's main gallery
• Expanded Kidsville at the Parthenon in 2016 from a monthly to a weekly program as well as outreach to the
broader community, a program connecting Nashville children and families to enriching opportunities for
growth through education, experience and exploration
Needs
1. Increased support and membership in order to carry out our core mission
2. Funding for more development and marketing initiatives
3. Volunteer Coordinator to develop and integrate volunteer programs for Centennial Park and the Parthenon
Other ways to donate, support, or volunteer
• The Conservancy accepts donations by check, credit card (both over the phone and directly online via our
website, www.conservancyonline.com).
• We provide fully tax-deductible memberships of varying levels, all of which provide free admission to the
Parthenon.
• Our membership forms are available in the Parthenon at the front admissions area as well as directly online.
• We also are happy to receive in-kind donations from donors.
• Volunteers are sought for the Parthenon (as docents, greeters and other additional types of opportunities) and
for our Musicians Corner program.
• We will be establishing volunteer opportunities in Centennial Park as tree guides and monument tour guides.
Service Categories
Primary Organization Category
2
Arts,Culture & Humanities / Arts,Culture & Humanities NEC
Secondary Organization Category
Education / Educational Services
Tertiary Organization Category
Environment / Environmental Beautification
Areas of Service
Areas Served
International
National
TN
While physically located in Nashville, The Parthenon is a museum/cultural attraction with a broad appeal.
Centennial Park is the city's central park, with historical and cultural significance. Although a large portion of
guests are from the Southeast United States, we also have many national and international visitors.
Board Chair Statement
The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park serves as a fund-raising partner of Nashville’s Parks
and Recreation Department. We create opportunities for the public to contribute to and participate in the
operations and growth of the Parthenon and the Park, to guarantee their future for generations of Nashville
citizens and visitors from around the world. The Conservancy provides financial support to the Parthenon’s art
exhibits, educational opportunities and docent educational program which provides quality docents to conduct
tours that enhance the visitor’s experience.
It is difficult to overstate the impact of the Parthenon and Centennial Park on the city of Nashville and on the
quality of life of the Park’s neighbors. Opened in 1903 as a public park, Centennial Park is Nashville’s iconic
park. The Centennial Park Master Plan adopted in 2010 reprioritizes green space to accommodate festivals,
musical performances and recreation while also providing users with a respite from the urbanizing landscapes
that surround the Park. In 2015, we celebrated the completion of the first phase of improvements to the Park
which focused on the cleaning of Lake Watauga and the day-lighting of Cockrill Spring to provide a source of
water essential to the revitalization of the Park.
I first became actively involved with the Nashville Parthenon over 10 years ago when I became a docent and a
speaker for the Parthenon Speakers Bureau, a program that provides lecturers to local groups on various topics
related to the Parthenon. I continue to serve as a Parthenon docent and speaker and am passionate about
sharing this Nashville treasure. After serving as a docent for 7 years, I became a member of the Conservancy
Board and served as Secretary for 2 years. In 2015, I was honored to become the Board Chair. I prioritized my
efforts to focus the passion of our Board members in a direction that will result in improved cultural opportunities
at the Parthenon and the continued implementation of the Master Plan for the restoration and revitalization of
the Park.
The Conservancy’s challenge is to provide an effective framework for the private sector to participate in the
investment of this important city park. The Conservancy’s capital campaign for funding the next improvements in
the Park, in partnership with Metro Nashville, is underway. The Board is diligently working to increase the
forward momentum to elevate Centennial Park into an urban green space for the future. - Paula Van Slyke
3
CEO Statement
The Parthenon and Centennial Park have been essential parts of our city’s fabric for more than a century. As a
support organization, The Conservancy is committed to strengthening, enhancing and restoring these two
Nashville crown jewels for the next century and beyond.
As a classical symbol, the Parthenon represents a respect for tradition that is balanced by an equal respect for
innovation that distinguishes Nashville from other cities. From educational programming to changing art exhibits
to symposia, the Parthenon is one of the busiest places in town. With Centennial Park's revitalization project,
there is fresh attention focused on the city’s park that holds a special place in the history of Nashville and the
hearts of our community. We have a distinctive plan that honors the history of the park and will accommodate
modern uses that should stand the test of time.
As the private, not-for-profit organization which serves the community through promotion of the Parthenon and
Centennial Park, we are committed to making a significant difference. Support for The Conservancy ensures
that the Parthenon and Centennial Park will continue to be a place for fun, a place for music, a place for art and
a place for the community. The Parthenon and Centennial Park are two beloved venues where people with a
passion for history, culture, the arts and the great outdoors gather. – Sylvia Rapoport
4
Programs
Programs
Musicians Corner
Description
Musicians Corner is a central point in Centennial Park, free and open to
all, where Nashville gathers to perform and enjoy its music. Music in all
forms. Music to entertain us, build bridges within our community, welcome
our visitors and connect us with the world. The program supports
emerging artists and provides inclusive arts enrichment to our community.
Musicians Corner presents its free music events in partnership with the
Mayor's Office, Metro Parks, and the local music industry. Musicians
Corner has showcased over 1,000 artists since its inception in 2010,
including legends like Vince Gill, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Emmylou
Harris, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Dr. Ralph Stanley & The Clinch
Mountain Boys. Musicians Corner's 2017 Season takes place in May,
June, August, and September. Visit musicianscornernashville.com for
details.
Budget
649525
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities, General/Other Performing Arts
Population Served
General/Unspecified, Adults, Children and Youth (0 - 19 years)
Kidsville
Description
Initially begun as free children’s activities at Musicians Corner, Kidsville
has quickly grown into a substantial program, serving more than 7,500
Nashville-area youth in 2016. Kidsville is presented as a free program at
all Musicians Corner events as well as a free weekly program on
Saturdays at the Parthenon. Kidsville provides enriching educational,
experiential and exploratory activities for youth (ages 2-12) in the areas of
art, music, history, literature, nutrition and fitness. At Musicians Corner
events, a "Musical Meet & Greet" features an educator or touring musician
to discuss and demonstrate an instrument, genre, or topic. Partnering with
several non-profit organizations, such as local community centers,
Kidsville provides outreach programs bridging gaps in access to the arts
for at-risk youth areas across Nashville. Visit kidsvilleonline.org for details.
Budget
100000
Population Served
,,
5
Exhibitions
Description
The Conservancy supports both changing exhibits and the permanent
collection at the Parthenon. The permanent collection consists of late
19th-early 20th century American paintings, regional contemporary work,
and objects related to the Centennial Exposition of 1897, and the program
includes conservation/restoration care and costs related to updates and
regular wear and tear. The changing exhibits program is designed to focus
on art, architecture, and archaeology. For 2017, temporary exhibitions
include 1) James M. Cowan Collection Rejoined, 2) Gone South: the
Photography of Jerry Atnip and 3) Her Tennessee Home: The Paintings of
Camille Engel. Exhibits planned for the Parthenon’s West Gallery in 2017
are 1) Memory Fragments: the Art of Pre-Columbian West Mexico and
2) A Day at the Fair with the Ewing Centennial Collection.
Budget
10322
Population Served
,,
Education
Description
The Conservancy supports several educational programs provided by the
Parthenon staff. By focusing on the contributions of the ancient Greek
culture and Tennessee history and art, the subject matter runs the gamut
from literature to math, from architecture to theater, and is often tailored to
the ages and/or needs of specific audiences. Guided tours are provided
to students aged pre-K up to university students. In addition, tours and
programs are presented for sight-impaired, autistic, and Down Syndrome
students. Traveling trunks take programs to elementary and middle
school children, and there are several partnerships with area schools for
mentoring, awards, workshops, etc. Adult offerings include the Symposia
Series, in-depth lectures from national and international scholars, the
Saturday Series classes each February featuring a topic related to ancient
Greece or Rome, in addition to specialized tours for Alzheimer patients,
stroke victims and brain trauma victims.
Budget
695
Population Served
,,
CEO Comments
This past year has been full of achievements and challenges, most dramatically evidenced by establishing
partnerships with those in under-served, minority and low-income communities.
To respond to the ever-increasing popularity of Musicians Corner, we added staff to better serve the
community's desire for free music in Centennial Park.
The expansion of our Kidsville program also resulted in adding a new program manager to assist our curriculum
manager in developing and bringing programs to provide the type of educational programming that our younger
visitors are enjoying
We recently incorporated technology to provide a more interactive experience while touring the Parthenon
museum. And since 2013, the Parthenon is now open on Sundays, accommodating visitors' schedules for more
access to the museum on the weekends.
6
Governance
Board Chair
Board Chair
Ms. Paula Van Slyke
Company Affiliation
Attorney
Term
Mar 2015 to Mar 2019
Email
[email protected]
Board Members
Name
Affiliation
Status
Dr. Jo Ann Brannon
Metro School Board
Exofficio
Ms. Beth Courtney
Seigenthaler Public Relations,
President
Voting
Mr. John Darwin
Morgan Stanley
Voting
Mr. David Ewing
Montgomery Bell Academy, Fellow Voting
Ms. Beth Fortune
Vanderbilt University, Vice
Chancellor
Voting
Mr. Justin Graham
c3 Consulting
Voting
Mr. Matthew Hargis
Republic Nashville, Vice President Voting
Ms. Demetria Kalodimos
WSMV Channel 4, News Anchor & Voting
Documentarian
Mr Neil Krugman
Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis,
LLP, Attorney
Voting
Mr. Chris Kyriopoulos
COMPOUND Capital
Management, Co-Founder
Voting
Ms. Trish Lindler
Civic Leader, HCA Vice-President
(retired)
Voting
Mr. Tommy Lynch
Metro Parks
Exofficio
Mrs. Brooks Mathews
Civic Leader
Voting
Dr. Reavis Mitchell
Fisk University, History, Division
Director Chair
Voting
Mr. Ben Page
Page Duke Associates, President
Voting
Ms. Wesley Paine
Museum Director
Exofficio
Ms. Mara Papatheodorou
Bon Apetit Magazine, Food Editor
Voting
Dr. Jonathan Perlin
HCA, Chief Medical Officer
Voting
Ms. Sylvia Rapoport
Foundation President
Exofficio
Ms. Samantha Shore
Robert W. Baird & Co.
Voting
Ms. Shirley Speyer
Civic Leader
Voting
Mr. Butch Spyridon
Nashville Convention & Visitors
Corp., President
Voting
Ms. Hope Stringer
Civic Leader
Exofficio
Ms. Candy Toler
Retired Engineer, Community
Volunteer
Voting
Dr. Barbara Tsakirgis
Vanderbilt University, Associate
Professor, Classical Studies
Voting
Ms. Paula Van Slyke
Attorney
Voting
7
Board Demographics - Ethnicity
African American/Black
3
Asian American/Pacific Islander
0
Caucasian
19
Hispanic/Latino
0
Native American/American Indian
0
Other
4 Greek Heritage
Board Demographics - Gender
Male
11
Female
15
Unspecified
0
Governance
Board Term Lengths
3
Board Term Limits
0
Board Meeting Attendance %
90%
Written Board Selection Criteria?
Yes
Written Conflict of Interest Policy?
Yes
Percentage Making Monetary Contributions
100%
Percentage Making In-Kind Contributions
100%
Constituency Includes Client Representation
Yes
Number of Full Board Meetings Annually
4
Board CoChair
Board CoChair
Ms. Beth Fortune
Term
Mar 2016 to Mar 2018
Email
[email protected]
Standing Committees
Development / Fund Raising
Education
Executive
Finance
Parks
Program / Program Planning
8
Risk Management Provisions
Commercial General Liability
Directors & Officers Policy
CEO Comments
Each and every one of our Board Members is a passionate and dedicated advocate for The Conservancy. In
order to meet the goals of the organization's core mission, the Board prides itself on active involvement in
solving problems in a creative manner and birthing new ideas. We continue to face the challenge of expanding
diversity among our Board Members. We serve the entire community and are committed to ensuring that our
Board reflect that community.
9
Management
Executive Director/CEO
Executive Director
Ms. Sylvia Rapoport
Term Start
Sept 2006
Email
[email protected]
Experience
Former board member with the organization with over 10 years of active involvement. Executive Committee
of Regional Board, Anti-Defamation League, 1989-Present; Chair of Jewish Foundation of Middle TN, 20052007; Nashville Symphony Ball Committee Chair, 2005; Nashville Children's Theatre, 1993-1998; Executive
Board, United Jewish Appeal's National Young Leadership Cabinet, 1984-98; Special Liaison to National Infant
Death Syndrome Foundation, 1985-1989.
Former CEOs
Name
Term
Ms. Kimberlie Bloodworth
Sept 2001 - Dec 2006
Staff
Full Time Staff
6
Part Time Staff
0
Volunteers
40
Contractors
6
Retention Rate
100%
Plans & Policies
Does the organization have a documented Fundraising Plan?
Under Development
Does the organization have an approved Strategic Plan?
Yes
Number of years Strategic Plan Considers
5
When was Strategic Plan adopted?
Jan 2015
In case of a change in leadership, is a Management Succession plan in place?
Yes
Does the organization have a Policies and Procedures Plan?
No
Does the organization have a Nondiscrimination Policy?
No
Does the organization have a Whistle Blower Policy?
No
10
Does the organization have a Document Destruction Policy?
No
Awards
Awards
11
Award/Recognition
Organization
Year
Certificate of Commendation for
the exhibit "A Tale of Two
Parthenons"
American Association for State
and Local History
1997
Award of Excellence in
Tennessee Association of
Educational Programming for
Museums
"Sijilmasa: Simulated Archaeology
Dig"
1999
Outstanding Exhibition for "A
Passion for Paint: the Art of Willie
Betty Newman"
2002
Southeastern Museums
Conference
Arts & Humanities Award for
Tennessee Recreation & Parks
"Greeks, Gryphons and Golden
Association
Rectangles: The Parthenon as an
Educational Tool"
2002
Honorable Mention for Exhibits
Inter-Museum Council of Nashville 2003
under $25,000, "Greeks,
Gryphons, and Golden
Rectangles: The Parthenon as an
Educational Tool"
Award of Excellence for Exhibits
under $25,000, "A Passion for
Paint: the Art of Willie Betty
Newman"
Inter-Museum Council of Nashville 2003
Four Star Benefactor Award
Tennessee Recreation & Parks
Association
2006
Listing of Centennial Park on the
National Register of Historic
Places
U.S. Deptartment of Interior
2008
Award of Excellence in
Educational Programming for
"Heroes of the Parthenon"
Tennessee Association of
Museums
2010
Award of Excellence for Exhibits
under $25,000, "A Passion for
Paint: the Art of Willie Betty
Newman"
Educator Award
2011
Education Award
Mayor's Advisory Committee for
People with Disabilities
2011
Award of Excellence in Education
Tennessee Association of
Museums
2012
Best Externship for work with
Hillwood High School Academy of
Art, Design and Communication
Academies of Nashville
2012
Best Business Partner with
Hillwood High School Academy of
Art, Design and Communication
Academies of Nashville
2013
SunTrust Bank Business Acumen
in the Arts Award
Center for Nonprofit Management
2013
Top Five Uniquely Nashville
Things to Do - the Parthenon
Nashville Convention and Visitor's 2013
Bureau
Best Park - Centennial Park
Nashville Scene
2013
Award of Commendation in
Educational Programming for the
one-man play, “Wish You Were
Here”
Tennessee Association of
Museums
2014
Academy Partnership of the Year
for Arts, Media & Communication
Academies of Nashville
2014
12
Frist Foundation Innovation in
Center for Nonprofit Management
Action finalist for Musicians Corner
program
2014
Frist Foundation Revenue
Development Award
2016
Center for Nonprofit Management
Senior Staff
Mrs. Andrea Gilbert Berger
Title
Business Manager
Experience/Biography
Mr. John Tumminello
Title
Executive Director, Musicians Corner
Experience/Biography
CEO Comments
The Conservancy staff and Board work in conjunction with the Parthenon Museum and Metro Parks in providing
support to supplement funding from Metro Nashville. Our conversations regarding needs/desires/support are
always fluid. We pride ourselves on efficient administration and enhanced opportunities for sharing ideas and
brainstorming. We produce excellent programming and provide stellar support with a very small staff and limited
budget. Our challenge is to continue providing quality of this caliber, with such a limited (in number, only!) staff.
13
Financials
Fiscal Year
Fiscal Year Start
Jan 01 2017
Fiscal Year End
Dec 31 2017
Projected Revenue
$1,174,300.00
Projected Expenses
$1,165,324.00
Endowment Value
$111,870.00
Endowment Spending Policy
N/A
Endowment Spending Percentage (if selected)
0%
Detailed Financials
Revenue and Expenses
Fiscal Year
Total Revenue
Total Expenses
Revenue Sources
Fiscal Year
Foundation and Corporation
Contributions
Government Contributions
Federal
State
Local
Unspecified
Individual Contributions
Indirect Public Support
Earned Revenue
Investment Income, Net of Losses
Membership Dues
Special Events
Revenue In-Kind
Other
2015
$1,410,501
$1,634,884
2014
$1,605,898
$1,357,151
2013
$1,118,578
$875,213
2015
$0
2014
$0
2013
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$1,039,215
($1,073)
$93,709
$278,650
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$176,655
$0
$1,152,589
$6,433
$0
$270,221
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$81,698
$0
$687,666
$17,099
$0
$332,115
$0
$0
14
Expense Allocation
Fiscal Year
Program Expense
Administration Expense
Fundraising Expense
Payments to Affiliates
Total Revenue/Total Expenses
Program Expense/Total Expenses
Fundraising Expense/Contributed
Revenue
Assets and Liabilities
Fiscal Year
Total Assets
Current Assets
Long-Term Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Total Net Assets
Short Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Current Ratio: Current Assets/Current
Liabilities
Long Term Solvency
Fiscal Year
Long-Term Liabilities/Total Assets
Top Funding Sources
Fiscal Year
Top Funding Source & Dollar Amount
Second Highest Funding Source & Dollar
Amount
Third Highest Funding Source & Dollar
Amount
2015
$1,391,858
$60,346
$182,680
$0
0.86
85%
66%
2014
$1,135,259
$53,550
$168,342
$0
1.18
84%
38%
2013
$628,582
$60,503
$186,128
$0
1.28
72%
45%
2015
$1,136,298
$1,037,936
$0
$56,887
$1,079,381
2014
$1,374,686
$1,166,952
$0
$70,922
$1,303,764
2013
$1,016,006
$1,016,006
$0
$65,786
$1,055,017
2015
18.25
2014
16.45
2013
15.44
2015
0%
2014
0%
2013
0%
2015
Program Revenue
$1,039,215
2014
Program Revenue
$1,152,589
Fundraising Events
$278,650
Membership Dues
$93,709
Fundraising Events
$270,221
Individual
Contributions
$176,655
2013
Program Revenue &
Related
Contributions
$687,666
Fundraising Events
$332,115
Membership &
Contributions
$81,698
Capital Campaign
Is the organization currently conducting a Capital
Campaign for an endowment or the purchase of a
major asset?
Yes
Campaign Purpose
The Conservancy is partnering with the City and Metro Parks to revitalize Centennial Park to transform this
cultural landmark into a walkable, urban green space.
Capital Campaign Goal
$30,000,000.00
Campaign Start and End Dates
2016 to 2019
Capital Campaign Raised-to-Date Amount
$21,900,000.00 as of 2017
State Charitable Solicitations Permit
TN Charitable Solicitations Registration
Yes - Expires June 2017
Registration
No 0
15
Organization Comments
The Conservancy provides supplemental support for the Parthenon and Centennial Park, properties managed
by Metro Parks. Support for each program is not necessarily a reflection of the priority of that program, but
simply an indication of The Conservancy's endeavor to fill in the gaps.
GivingMatters.com Financial Comments
Beginning in 2010, financial data is taken from audited financial statements. Prior to 2010, financial figures are
taken from the 990. 990s and audits completed by Kraft and Company, PLLC.
Comments provided by Kathryn Bennett 9/15/16/
Created 06.16.2017.
Copyright © 2017 The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
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