Support & Join
Be a part of The Birthplace of Country Music and its future.
Perpetuating the Legacy
The Birthplace of Country Music (BCM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that showcases Bristol Tennessee/Virginia’s role in the birth and development of country music through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, Radio Bristol, and a multitude of community and educational outreach programs. We offer a number of donor opportunities to support BCM, and your tax deductible donation will help ensure BCM’s success and sustainability for years to come. Below you will find more information about our donor societies and other giving opportunities.
Ways to Support the Birthplace of Country Music
The 1927 Society is the primary giving society for individuals, couples, and families. Membership is based on support given during a rolling 12-month period. Membership can be paid once annually or monthly.
The Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle was created to recognize the generous support of businesses, organizations, and foundations that provide essential support to our organization. The Bristol Sessions Leadership Circle is based on direct support to the Birthplace of Country Music’s annual operating fund. Underwriting and Sponsorships do not qualify.
The Unbroken Circle Society is a cumulative giving society for individuals (including couples and families) designed to recognize the impact an individual has made over his or her lifetime. Individuals do not give separately to gain entry into this society. Annual gifts that qualify individuals for the 1927 Society add up over the years for qualification to the various levels of the Unbroken Circle Society.
The Legacy Society is designed to recognize those individuals whose gifts will benefit BCM in the future through estate gifts or other planned giving opportunities.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity that will take place on November 30, 2021. Each year, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is an internationally recognized day to contribute to nonprofit organizations.
Other Ways to Give
Museum Memberships
Students, seniors, individuals, couples, and families can become part of our story at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum by purchasing a museum membership at a nominal cost. The perks of membership include unlimited entry to the museum, discounts to certain events, and a 10% discount with your purchases at The Museum Store.
Festival Sponsorships
Small businesses, organizations, and individuals can connect to 40,000+ attendees at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion and help sustain the festival through customized sponsorships. From stages and bands to volunteer t-shirts and beverage gardens, the benefits of sponsorship may include signage at the event, mention in our Festival Guide, festival tickets, and more.
Radio Bristol Record Breakers
Help keep WBCM Radio Bristol on the air with a one-time donation or by becoming a “Radio Bristol Record Breaker” with a donation of $240 or more or a recurring donation of $20 per month. Record Breakers receive a Farm and Fun Time gift package that includes a Farm and Fun Time CD and other merchandise—plus a shout-out on the air!
General Donation
BCM also accepts general donations. Your tax deductible donation to BCM ensures the future of our organization by helping with operations, education, and programming costs. Your support helps us build a secure sustainable future for the Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and Radio Bristol.
Why Support Us?
You Believe in Our Mission & Vision
We need your help to accomplish our Mission and progress towards our Vision. Seeing your name displayed in the Museum tells everyone you are a vital part of our work and legacy.
You See Our Impact and What We Have Accomplished So Far
We have a highly successful Festival that has a tremendous economic impact on our region, a well respected Museum built without a major capital campaign, and a Radio Station that is being streamed worldwide.
Museums Must Be Supported by Their Community
The Museum is a jewel of Bristol and needs support from the community. According to the American Alliance of Museums, the average museum in the US earns about 27% of its revenue from earned income (admissions, store sales, rentals, etc.). The rest must come from all levels of government support and private charitable giving.
We Are Creating an Even Better Place to Live, Work, and Play
Few Bristolians and others from our region can experience our high-tech Museum without feeling a strong sense of pride. Music lovers and artists cite the Festival as one of their favorite experiences. We have played a major role in the revival of Historic Downtown Bristol, and businesses state that the Museum and Festival play a major role in their decision to locate downtown.
We Impact Children in Important Ways
Through education, outreach and programming, we help introduce students to the arts, thereby stimulating creative and innovative thinking that will aid them in whatever life path they choose to follow. Teaching students about the important role Bristol has played in the history of American music instills hometown and regional pride.
We Are Doing It Right
We have a dedicated staff, a volunteer Board of Directors, and numerous active volunteers who are working diligently to operate our business in accordance with best practices. We have comprehensive business plans for the Festival, Museum, and Radio Station as well as an overarching business plan for the entire organization. Our governance policies and other governance documents are current and strong.
BCM is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation - That Needs to be Profitable
Gifts to BCM are tax deductible. As a nonprofit organization, any profits received must go back into the organization to further its mission. We must be profitable to be sustainable, to grow, and to continuously improve.
