The Colonial Theatre in Bethlehem, NH was recently named a member of the 2024 Tax Credit Award cohort announced by the Community Development Finance Authority. Recipients of the award are granted funding through state tax credits for projects that further community development in New Hampshire. The Colonial Theatre received $100,000 in tax credits to support its ongoing Energy and Technology Project, including solar panels, roofing, insulation, heat-sealing projects, and technical upgrades to stage lighting, sound, projection, and front-of-house systems.
“This is an incredible investment in the future of The Colonial,” Executive Director Brenna Nicely explained. “Supporting necessary upgrades to our energy efficiency and technology will not only benefit our building, but will also help us contribute to the sustainability of our community, continue to improve the experience of our audience, and take steps towards offering high-quality arts experiences to our community through an extended season.”
The Colonial’s tax credits award recognizes the importance of The Colonial to the economic health of our community. According to Americans for The Arts, in a typical year, the Theatre returns over $500,000 in economic stimulation to the North Country.
“This award marks an important milestone for these important projects at our beloved, historic theatre. Over the next two years, as we roll out these improvements, The Colonial will become more energy efficient, so that we can invest our resources more thoughtfully in our mission to invite and inspire cultural conversation. It is an incredible show of support from our community that these projects are already 88% funded, and I invite those interested in contributing to support the cultural enrichment, inspiration, and expanded horizons that The Colonial has always and will continue to offer our community,” Nicely added.
$6.6 million worth of tax credit awards announced by CDFA on June 18 will have a significant impact on initiatives that advance local community economic development goals and build capacity within New Hampshire’s nonprofit sector. To learn more about this program, visit www.nhcdfa.org.
In further recognition of these important projects, The Colonial has been awarded funding amounting to 88% of the project cost, including a $267,671 Northern Borders Regional Commission Catalyst Award, a $51,000 Congressionally Directed Spending Request, a $16,530 Cultural Facilities Grant from the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, and more from private foundations and individual contributions.
A revitalized Colonial has, for over two decades, provided the North Country with outstanding music, films, community and family events. The opportunity to switch to renewable, efficient energy and to state-of-the-art technology demonstrates the support of The Colonial’s mission and presence in our community.
Those who are interested in contributing to the future of The Colonial can visit the Theater’s website at www.BethlehemColonial.org. While you are there sign up for The Colonial’s regular e-blasts so you won’t miss a beat!