Alliance Française de Denver

A nonprofit organization

$2,249 raised by 24 donors

1% complete

$287,500 Goal

The mission of the Alliance Française de Denver (AFD), a 501c3 non-profit organization, is to encourage and develop the knowledge of the French language and Francophone cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic and friendly exchanges between the French-speaking world and our local community.

With this mission in mind, AFD plans to create a newly renovated Francophone Cultural Center to unify French speaking organizations in the Colorado community so they are better able to serve and reach them with the incredible gift of French language and culture. 

What will the building be used for? 

That being said, AFD strives to provide a fully inclusive Francophone/Francophile community for Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. This facility will provide multi-purpose space for meetings, events, art exhibits, theater performances, and more to the community. They will continue the 126-year tradition of providing French language instruction and culture to Francophones and Francophiles. AFD will share their space with other Francophone/Francophile organizations to strengthen our relationships throughout the region. 

What is the estimated cost? 

The estimated complete cost of Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be approximately $550,000 for repair and remodelling of the north wall and north portion of the building, and $2.0 million for complete renovation of the facility to include multi-purpose meeting areas/classrooms upstairs, elevator access, large common area for theater productions and art exhibits, basement, and new office space for our AFD staff and other organizations. 

The AFD Board of Directors has committed to investing the initial $500,000 to aid in completing Phase 1 of the project through monies strategically invested. The Board is also in negotiations with our insurance company for an estimated $900,000 payout from the damages from our policy. With this potential payout, our campaign goal would be approximately $1.15 million.

The first phase of this project is to demolish and rebuild the damaged north wall. This will include shoring up the damaged internal walls and roof, reinforcing foundation that dates back to the early 1900s, rebuilding the outside wall, adding a basement and elevator, and providing usable space for classrooms and offices while we prepare for Phase 2 - AFD Cultural Center. Our projected completion of Phase I is April 2024. 

Once the north wall is complete, AFD plans to undergo a major renovation - adding a multi-purpose performance space, upgraded classrooms, and new offices. This will transform the AFD into a thriving Francophone Cultural Center, providing a space for francophones and francophiles alike to connect and engage with French language and culture. The new renovations include: multi-purpose meeting areas/classrooms upstairs, large common area for theater productions and art exhibits, and new office space for our AFD staff and other organizations. Projected completion will be determined based on materials costs, labor availability and revenue resources. Our goal is to complete Phase 2 by late 2025.

What is the cost breakdown? 

AFD Board of Directors is putting in $500K for the initial wall repair

AFD aims to raise $287K for the Cultural Center Remodel 

$58K for EDUCATION – teacher needs, technology, wall divider, furniture 

$28.5K for CULTURE –the theatre (Alliance & Co.), Multipurpose room, lights, bookcases, library, café, coffee cart, café chairs, espresso machine

$28.5K for COMMUNITY – office space for AATF, Denver Sister Cities, RMFACC, high school partnerships, café stands with sold goods of our partners, blocks sold with your name on it on our front terrace for $1000 each.  

$50K: Elevator for our members to more easily move around the Center 

$40K: Basement to store goods, props, supplies for the Alliance and other organizations 

$25K: Stairs to create multiple exits and entrances into offices and classroom spaces 

$57K: additional renovation costs 

Can I donate for a specific item/cause? 

Yes! Please let us know if you would like your donation to be used for a specific need at the Alliance. There are also amounts AFD will honor your name as a visible part of the Francophone Cultural Center: 

$2000: your name and favorite French word on a plaque displayed alongside the newly constructed staircase 

$1000: a terrace table in the new café donated in your name 

$500: an 8x8 brick engraved 

$250: an 8x4 brick engraved 

Thank you for joining the Alliance Française de Denver in their vision for creating a Francophone Cultural Center, the center for all things French! 


Mission

The mission of the Alliance Francaise de Denver is to encourage and develop the knowledge of the French language and cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic and friendly exchanges between the French-speaking world and our local community.

The Alliance's vision moving forward is to unify all French speaking organizations under one roof to serve the Denver community as a Francophone Cultural Center. This center will represent several different organizations and promote the diversity of French around the globe.

Background Statement

The Alliance Française is a worldwide nonprofit culture and language center founded in Paris in 1883. A network of over 800 chapters in 137 countries, the Alliance Française has 118 locations in North America alone. The Denver branch, called the Alliance Française de Denver was founded in 1897 and shares a history with Titanic survivor Margaret Brown, who held some of the first meetings in her home. It is the only French language, culture, and resource center in Colorado. Annually, the Alliance Française de Denver hosts nearly 100 free or low-cost cultural events for Denver residents, awards scholarships, and teaches French to nearly 300 students each quarter.

The AFDenver was founded to promote the French culture and other French-speaking cultures, as well as the French language. Through the years, the AFDenver has become a center of listening and speaking, a provider of hands-on cooperative learning, a cultural gathering place, a local resource, and, through the natural extension of its mission, an agent for the advancement of greater cultural diversity. It is characterized by a strong respect for all cultures, a passion for cultural exchange, the pursuit of excellence in all of its activities, and a capacity for modernization and innovation.

Since its conception, the AFDenver has grown exponentially. In order to accommodate all of its students and members, the organization purchased its own building in 2003 to provide classrooms, a resource center and an art gallery/event space, all under one roof.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Alliance Française de Denver

other names

Alliance Francaise de Denver, AFD

Year Established

1897

Tax id (EIN)

84-6042159

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Organization Size

Medium Organization

Address

571 Galapago Street
Denver, CO 80204

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Phone

720 568 9976

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