FEATURED PROJECT
Empowering Change: The NCCHR's Transformative Expansion and Renovation Project
HIGHLIGHTS
$49.9 million total project cost
23,898 square foot expansion
58 Full Time Jobs
New Innovation Lab
Anticipated to Educate over 240,000 Individuals Annually
National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc.
About The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. (NCCHR)
Strengthening Education and Community Connections in Atlanta
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. (NCCHR), located in Atlanta, GA, is embarking on a transformative expansion and renovation project aimed for completion by 2027. The project aims to enrich educational resources, enhance public programming, broaden access to education, and equip individuals with knowledge and resources to inspire action in their communities.
THE CHALLENGE
Recognizing the Need for Expansion
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Inc. (NCCHR) recognizes that understanding history is crucial for driving societal change. While they have successfully educated visitors, they now aim to enhance the experience and make a more profound impact. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the NCCHR shares important moments in American history, encourages dialogue around fairness and public policy, and motivates visitors to contribute to lasting change. They are determined to serve broader audiences through expanded programming and outreach.
The primary challenge faced by the NCCHR is the need to expand its current facilities to accommodate growing visitor demand and enhance its educational resources. To address this, the NCCHR plans to expand and renovate its existing learning institution and add an innovation lab to engage both virtual and in-person visitors. The center aspires to educate over 240,000 individuals annually, with a significant portion of this number comprising low-income children. To achieve this ambitious goal, the NCCHR requires substantial improvements in both its physical infrastructure and its programmatic offerings.
THE SOLUTION
Bridging the Gap Towards Change
The NCCHR has worked tirelessly to bring this transformative project to fruition. Although site work has already begun, The NCCHR has indicated that the funds necessary to complete the project are insufficient. Relying solely on charitable contributions to bridge the funding gap would significantly delay the project and potentially incur substantial financial penalties. Without securing the needed funding, the project would face significant reductions in scope or severe delays, disappointing the many people who would benefit from its programs.
Recognizing the project's alignment with its mission, BBIF saw it as an ideal candidate for support. Through this partnership, the NCCHR secured $12.5 million in New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) allocations, which was the capital needed to close the gap. This crucial funding will support the expansion and renovation efforts, including the creation of an Innovation Lab, additional galleries, a café, and enhanced educational spaces. The Innovation Lab will serve as a state-of-the-art technology education center and a hub for virtual programming and training sessions centered on education, civic participation, and community-building topics.
THE IMPACT
Transformative Outcomes with BBIF
The impact of this project is expected to be profound. By 2027, the NCCHR anticipates serving 240,000 annual visitors and hosting a variety of community events, lectures, and educational programs. The expansion will create and retain 58 jobs, with hiring efforts focused on expanding opportunities for local residents from communities historically overlooked in workforce development. The renovated facilities, featuring updated exhibits and interactive learning spaces, aim to foster empathy, critical thinking, and civic engagement among visitors.
BBIF's involvement has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, given NCCHR’s unwavering dedication to youth learning and broad community engagement. As NCCHR embarks on this ambitious expansion and renovation, the project will support their shared commitment to amplifying voices, educating future generations, and preserving the stories that shape our shared past and future.
We’re honored to partner with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to help expand their educational reach. Supporting this project means investing in both community spaces and empowering future generations with tools to better understand our nation’s past and its continued impact—priorities that reflect BBIF’s commitment to long-term community advancement.
Duane Lewis
COO, BBIF
