Our Annual Individual Giving Campaign
Downtown Strong
All of Us Strong, All of the Time
Downtown Strong is a leadership collective of enthusiastic, dependable, and supportive individuals of downtown Winston-Salem. Through a pledge of annual giving to DWSP, broad and diverse involvement in Downtown Strong helps fortify all that is distinctive about the core of our city as well as position it for a bright and progressive future. The goal of Downtown Strong is to establish a core group of dependable supporters. For $10 or less per month – individuals can belong to Downtown Strong and be instrumental in the ongoing success of downtown. Donations can be made to the Downtown Winston-Salem Foundation (501c3) which allows tax deductible contributions.
I am Downtown Strong
“The excitement and enthusiasm about Downtown Winston-Salem is heartwarming to those of us who have been a part of the process for a long time. We have a momentum which will continue to grow. Anyone can be a part of the Renaissance of Downtown Winston-Salem by becoming a member of Downtown Strong. The Downtown Winston-Salem Foundation is the charitable partner of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership. Your support through a financial commitment to Downtown Strong and paid through the Downtown Winston-Salem Foundation will ensure the continued vibrancy we all currently enjoy in our Downtown.”
-Alfred Adams, Chair of the Downtown Winston-Salem Foundation, Downtown Resident & Proud Downtown Strong Supporter
Downtown Strong
The Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership (DWSP) invites you to join our vitalization movement as we work to have an even greater positive impact on the health, growth, and livability of downtown Winston- Salem. As a not-for-profit, privately funded advocacy organization passionately involved in a variety of efforts to enhance the core of our city’s economic, social, and cultural strengths, DWSP announces the creation of an exciting new initiative to recruit and foster long-term relationships with individuals who believe earnestly in the importance of a robust and active downtown.
I am Downtown Strong
“I am Downtown Strong because of a dream I had, that actually came true. I saw the potential that Downtown had 10 years ago and Downtown saw the potential in me. Together we have grown and prospered. Downtown Strong provides resources to small businesses and community activities from individuals who donate. The money is kept Downtown, in the community and that is important to me. I am Downtown Strong because Downtown Strong is me.”
-Erin Dedmon Blakley, Board Member, Downtown Business Owner & Proud Downtown Strong Supporter
The Impact of DWSP
How We Enhance Downtown
We make possible exciting public events in Downtown Winston-Salem – including the Salute Wine Celebration, the Summer Music Series, and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
We oversee the production, approval, and implementation of the Downtown Plan.
We continually set new goals to meet arising areas of need Downtown..
We provide loans to small businesses seeking gap financing for startup expenses, through our revolving Meade Willis Fund; to date, over $1M has been loaned to over 17 small businesses.
We are a primary source of information for potential and existing small business owners, housing developers, and residents. The DWSP keeps a strong database of housing, retail, project, public safety, and demographic information that is free to the public.
What You Might Not Know
The DWSP Needs You
The DWSP receives only 6% of its operational funds from local taxpayers. City and county budget cuts, as well as reduced foundation funding, now make it essential that DWSP seek the help of individual donors to help us fulfill our mission. Your contribution to Downtown Strong is a critical lifeline to the well-being of downtown Winston-Salem, as funds raised from this new leadership collective will be added to the generous support of our Annual Business Members and the sponsorships that we receive for each of our programs and events.