Phillips Foundation Commits Additional $1.5 Million to Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
Contribution of $5 Million Total Includes Art Commission for Phillips Hall
GREENSBORO, N.C. (February 17, 2016) — Phillips Foundation today announced an additional grant of $1.5 million to the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, bringing the foundation’s total commitment for the project to $5 million. This increased pledge supports the quality and construction of the 3,000-seat venue, as well as the Phillips family’s commission of public art for the Tanger Center lobby.
“The Tanger Center project has progressed to a point where we are confident in extending our commitment,” said Elizabeth Phillips, executive director of the Phillips Foundation. “We want the community to be proud of this civic asset, and the inclusion of noteworthy public art will further enhance the draw and aesthetic of this future downtown destination. We are calling on other private donors for additional support to ensure that this once-in-a-generation development achieves its highest potential.”
The Tanger Center’s 8,000-square-foot grand lobby will be named Phillips Hall, in honor of Phillips Foundation’s initial lead grant of $3.5 million in May 2013. Phillips Foundation remains one of the largest private investors in the project.
“We are grateful for Phillips Foundation’s generous support of this public-private partnership that will enrich our city and community for generations to come,” said Walker Sanders, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. “Phillips Foundation was the first private donor to step forward in public support of this campaign, and their additional funding demonstrates a deep commitment to making this the state-of-the-art venue Greensboro deserves.”
The project’s Donor Building Committee recently approved design renderings for the structure, which were unveiled to the public in late January. Phillips Foundation will announce details regarding their commission of an art installation for the lobby in the coming months.
“By adding significantly to its initial grant, Phillips Foundation is making a strong statement of its belief in the design and vision of this important project,” said Kathy Manning, who is leading efforts to raise private contributions. “The Foundation’s commissioned art installation to enhance Phillips Hall will serve as a highlight and focal point of this landmark building that will make our entire community proud.”
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About Phillips Foundation
In 2005, local business leader Kermit Phillips created the Kermit G. Phillips II Charitable Trust to provide funding to non-profit causes as elected by the Phillips family. The trust’s endowment recently gained the majority of its funding and now operates as the Phillips Foundation. The current board is regionally focused on the Greensboro community with five target areas: housing and homelessness; economic development; arts and culture; child and family services; and education and learning enrichment. For more information, visit PhillipsFoundationNC.org.
Phillips Foundation currently does not accept unsolicited grant applications.
Phillips Foundation is a private family foundation and catalytic capital platform that leverages its assets to maximize social, environmental and financial value.
