Fox Gives Awards $1 Million in Multiyear Grants to Two Historic Georgia Theaters

First-of-its-kind dual award provides $500,000 each to Rome’s DeSoto Theatre and Thomasville Municipal Auditorium

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.

Announced at the nonprofit’s grant ceremony, 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.

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.”

Announced during National Historic Preservation Month, the $1 million multiyear investment underscores the role historic venues play in driving tourism, economic vitality and community connection across Georgia.

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.

About Fox Gives

​Fox Gives is the expanded outreach arm of Atlanta's iconic Fox Theatre, committed to fostering community partnerships and enriching lives through the arts. Evolved from the Fox Theatre Institute, Fox Gives continues the legacy of providing historic preservation expertise, consultation, and education to performing arts venues in Georgia and beyond. With a focus on environmental and economic impact, Fox Gives offers multiyear preservation grants, arts education programs and vocational mentorship, leveraging resources to stimulate local economies and keep the artistic pulse of communities vibrant. Under the Fox Gives umbrella, the theatre introduces transformative initiatives like the All-Access Pass high school program to open new doors in vocational arts education for young minds. For more information, visit foxtheatre.org/foxgives and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram.