National Center for Civil and Human Rights to Break Ground in Fall

March 8,2011

The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (Center) today announced that its capital campaign has raised more than $73 million to date, including a new $1 million grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Officials confirmed the Center is on track to raise the remaining
$12 million to construct and open the debt-free Center and will break ground this fall.

“The Center held firmly to its guiding principles and will deliver a majority self-sustaining facility and worldclass experience for all to enjoy,” said Doug Shipman, CEO of the Center. “We are thankful for the support of local and national funders who see the importance of a human rights institution. Thanks to their contributions, the Center is on track to complete its fund raising within six years compared to the 13-year average to build a cultural institution. Partners like the Blank Foundation help fuel momentum to bring us closer to groundbreaking, inspiring individuals and corporate citizens to make similar commitments.”

The goal to break ground is $85 million. The Center will now prepare to launch the public capital campaign this spring and establish an annual fund after groundbreaking.

Established in 1995 and based in Atlanta, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation joins prominent philanthropic and corporate partners of the Center, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot Foundation, Newell Rubbermaid, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. and The UPS Foundation.

“The National Center for Civil and Human Rights’ efforts to foster interactive discussions on global human rights issues have never been more needed,” said Penelope McPhee, president of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. “Atlanta’s history positions it perfectly to serve as the future home