Support the Byrd Theatre Foundation’s nonprofit efforts
From donating money to donating your time, The Byrd Theatre Foundation relies on the Richmond community and beyond to help support the Foundation’s mission: to preserve the landmark Byrd Theatre while providing unique experiences for all.
Each year, the Byrd serves more than 100,000 moviegoers — and hosts thousands more through events run by community organizations, businesses and more. Additionally, music lovers come just to hear “The Mighty WurliTzer” organ, one of the original theater organs manufactured by the Rudolph WurliTzer Company.
The Byrd Theatre Foundation, the owner of The Byrd Theatre, was established in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Its mission is to preserve the landmark Byrd Theatre while providing unique experiences for all, with a vision to establish The Byrd Theatre as a premier destination for our visitors to encounter exceptional experiences that engage, educate, motivate, and inspire.
But we can’t do it without help of supporters like you. Listed below are the many ways you can help restore, preserve, and provide an accessible cinematic experience to the Richmond community.
Annual Fund Campaign
Leave your mark on the historic Byrd Theatre with a donation today to help us reach our Annual Fund campaign goal. The ticket, concession, and event revenue does not cover all the costs of operating the Theatre. Help us keep the Theatre available to all now and for future generations by donating today.
The Mighty WurliTzer Campaign
The Byrd wouldn’t be The Byrd without The Mighty WurliTzer—one of the few remaining fully operational theatre organs in the country. After nearly a century of performances, the WurliTzer now requires expert conservation and restoration to ensure it continues to inspire future generations. Donations made here will go directly into a restricted Organ Restoration Fund, supporting vital projects such as restoring the main console. Your support helps preserve not just an instrument, but a living piece of musical and cinematic history.
More to be done
In 2007, the Theatre’s roof was in disrepair and the Byrd was close to being sold for more Carytown parking. The Byrd Theatre Foundation entered into an agreement to purchase the building. Since then, the Foundation has performed the following updates: replaced the roof, replaced the boiler, revamped the HVAC systems, added an ADA bathroom, installed new seats in the Reinhart Auditorium, and more. This work was accomplished through private and corporate fundraising and partnerships.
To fund several of our programs, we relied on fundraising, partnerships, and sponsorships.
Building on past success and anticipating the future, the next tasks seek to continue the mission:
- Pay off the remaining mortgage to increase revenues for programs and growth.
- Complete the next phase of restoration of the Theatre.
- Enhance the scope of programs and partnerships by showing and promoting movies in different categories to increase awareness and participation while also researching, planning, and coordinating events to attract and retain patronage.
- Expand capacity for growth and secure financial sustainability.
Donations
Make a one-time or recurring tax-deductible donation and help sustain The Byrd Theatre’s mission.
Rent the Theatre
Hold your private screening, fundraiser, corporate event, concert, and more at The Byrd.
Volunteer Your Time
See a movie on us in exchange for some quick help at or around the theatre.
Advertise on the Big Screen
Put your message in front of the audience before the movie starts.
Become a Sponsor
Partner as a co-presenter with ongoing repertory series like Family Classics.