Fox Gives, the philanthropic arm of the Fox Theatre, has awarded $1 million in multiyear grants to the historic DeSoto Theatre in Rome and the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium, with each venue receiving $500,000 in long-term preservation support.
This marks the first time the program has awarded multiyear grants to two recipients in a single year since its inception in 2024, according to a media release.
Announced at the nonprofit’s grant ceremony on May 6, the funding will support targeted restoration, safety, and accessibility improvements at both venues. The investment reflects Fox Gives’ continued focus on preserving historic spaces that serve as cultural and economic anchors in communities across Georgia, the release said.
“Last night marked a special occasion for Fox Gives. We were thrilled to award an additional $1 million in multiyear preservation funding to the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium and the historic DeSoto Theatre in Rome, with each organization receiving $500,000 in long-term support,” Leigh Burns, director of community partnerships for Fox Gives, said in a statement to Rough Draft. “We also spotlighted our single-year grantees, who collectively received $500,000 in preservation funding, bringing this year’s total statewide investment to $1.5 million.”
“These investments support more than preservation alone. They help spur community growth, strengthen local economies and ensure these historic venues continue serving as cultural anchors for generations to come,” Burns continued. “From theaters and auditoriums to a wide range of historic community spaces, the Fox Theatre is proud to support organizations across Georgia while continuing to care for our own National Historic Landmark in the heart of Midtown Atlanta.”
In Rome, funding will support a phased renovation of the DeSoto Theatre’s stage and backstage areas, including upgrades to dressing rooms, accessibility features and core infrastructure to improve safety and expand educational programming.
In Thomasville, the funds will support essential life-safety and accessibility upgrades at the Auditorium, including fire suppression, structural repairs and systems improvements.
Combined with $500,000 in single-year grants awarded in the 2025–2026 cycle, the funding brings Fox Gives’ total investment for 2026 to a record $1.5 million.
“These historic spaces matter to their communities. They bring people downtown, support local businesses and create shared experiences across generations,” said Allan Vella, president and CEO of the Fox Theatre. “We know firsthand the impact created when a community comes together to save a local landmark. This is our way of paying that forward.”
Since its inception in 2008, Fox Gives has invested more than $5.7 million in historic theaters and cultural landmarks across Georgia and the Southeast.
