Our Story
For a National Historic Landmark that hasn't budged an inch since 1884, the Wren's Nest has traveled a great distance in a very short time. In July of 2006, our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was hanging on by a thread.
Bill collectors called incessently, we owed over $112,000 to 19 different creditors around town, and Georgia Power almost shut off our lights. We had no money, no programming, and no light at the end of the tunnel.
It was grim.
Then you came along. Ideas and gifts from generous individuals like you kept the Wren's Nest afloat. We got back on our feet and haven't looked back.
Here's a look at our accomplishments over the past four years on a shoestring budget:
- + Completed a $200,000 conservation project.
- + Increased storytelling performances from 3 in the first half of 2006 to over 250 in 2010.
- + Established the Wren's Nest Publishing Company in partnership with the Decatur Book Festival.
- + Established the KIPP Scribes in partnership with KIPP STRIVE, our neighborhood charter school.
- + Invigorated and strengthened our governing board.
- + Built a brand from the ground up. See, for example: this very website, handsome brochures, thoughtful newspapers, awesome author events, advertisements, and so on.
- + Inspired recognition by news outlets near and far and by the Atlanta Urban Design Commission.
Being This Nation's Most Exciting House Museum ain't easy though. Earned income accounts for about 33% of our $180,000 operating budget. Generous gifts from people like you make what we do possible.
Read on for exactly how to make a gift to the Wren's Nest. Your contribution will make a tremendous difference.
Choose a Gift Level
$25 Briar Patch Patron
free admission for one year
$100 Snap Bean Sustainer
+ Brer Rabbit Tote Bag
$250 Brer Rabbit Benefactor
+ The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit
$500 Wren's Nest Reviver
+ 10 free admission tickets for friend and family
$1,000 Trickster Hero(ine)
+ free storyteller for your event
To give cash to the Wren's Nest, simply make your check available to "The Wren's Nest" and mail it to this address:
The Wren's Nest
1050 R.D. Abernathy Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30310
To give stock via an electronic funds transfer, contact Lain Shakespeare, Executive Director. Call 404-753-7735 or email [email protected].
To give via credit card please contact Lain Shakespeare at 404-753-7735 with your number, expiration date, and designation. You may also give directly and safely online by clicking the "Donate Now!" button above. Simply type in the amount you wish to give and follow the instructions.
To make a bequest please review this suggested bequest language (.pdf) with your attorney.
Priorities & Needs
Annual Giving
Annual giving is an opportunity for you to support a critical part of the Wren's Nest: current operations. Your unrestricted support enables our staff to take full advantage of opportunities and address challenges in a timely manner.
Facilities and Planning
Our facility is more than just bricks and mortar. The Wren's Nest is a living, breathing and, yes, occasionally crumbling National Historic Landmark that requires constant attention. You can ensure the safety of our visitors, the security of our programs, and the integrity of this national treasure.
Storytelling Programs
The Brer Rabbit stories have transcended centuries and continents. Our organization is lucky enough to preserve them and watch our storytellers perform over 250 times annually. Your gift will help us keep these stories alive and accessible to everyone.
Board Development
An organization is only as strong as its board of directors. If you feel you have more to give than a contribution, consider volunteering on our board of directors or on a committee.
Publishing Programs
One of our greatest joys is watching one of our students see his or her name in print for the first time in a bound collection. You can help us strengthen and expand our publishing programs to all of the students in our neighborhood.
Endowment
The Wren's Nest will celebrate 100 years of operation in 2013. Your gift can ensure we preserve the legacy of Joel Chandler Harris and the heritage of African American folklore in perpetuity.
Is the Wren's Nest in your will? If so, give Lain Shakespeare a call at 404-753-7735. He'd rather thank you than the executor of your estate.