Avalon Annual Fund
Cinema That Brings Us Together
At the Avalon Theatre, we believe in the power of gathering.
For more than 100 years, the Avalon has brought neighbors, families, and film lovers together to share meaningful moments—full of laughter, reflection, and connection. These moments are at the heart of our mission.
When the theater abruptly closed in 2001, neighbors rallied to save it, and every year since, this community has generously supported us. Together, we transformed the shuttered Avalon of 2001 into today’s vibrant, historic cultural film center.
Watch To See Why Your Gift Matters
In a world that often feels disconnected, the simple act of watching a film together is deeply restorative.
That’s what the Avalon offers every day—and it’s only possible because of your support.
The Avalon is more than a movie theater. It’s a cherished anchor in the DC community: a place where neighbors gather, students learn, and new voices are heard.
Your generosity supports our diverse film programming, free city-wide student film education program, and the ongoing preservation of our treasured historic building.
What Your Support Made Possible This Year
This year’s Avalon Annual Fund campaign focuses on the five core areas of our mission:
- More than 2,500 screenings of 115 films, seen by 96,000 patrons
- All 10 Oscar-nominated films including Best Picture winner Anora
- 40 international films including the winners of the Academy Award for Best International Feature (I’m Still Here) and Best Documentary Feature (No Other Land)
- 2 Exhibition on Screen films including Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874
- 4 National Theatre Live productions highlighted by the searing Inter Alia
- 12 post-film conversations, including multiple discussions of Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round
- 3 Science on Screen events followed by discussions with top scientific experts
- 9 Weekend Family Matinee films and live performances, including Elf and The Great Zucchini
- 1,500 students from 6 DC Wards (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8) attended 8 free Cinema Classroom screenings
- 2nd annual high school student film essay contest won by a student from IDEA Public Charter School
- 2,500 plastic bottles kept out of the waste stream through recyclable aluminum water bottle sales and our new filtered water refill station
- 400,000 lbs of CO2 emissions saved from our rooftop solar power production
- 8 Neighborhood Villages and 3 assisted living facilities partnered with the Avalon to bring over 1,200 attendees to the monthly Senior Cinema Thursday program
- 2,100 Avalon Members including 4 new Business Members
- 6 nonprofit partners including Chevy Chase Main Street & Chevy Chase Art Walk
- Revitalization of the landmarked facade with a vibrant color scheme and restored limestone that brightens the cityscape.
Help Us Continue This Work in 2026
The Avalon Theatre is proud to be a vital part of the DC community. With your help, we can remain so for years to come.
Your gift is 100% tax-deductible and directly supports the diverse film programming, free city-wide student film education program, and the preservation of our treasured historic building.
Extend Your Gift!
Matching Gift Programs
Check and see if your employer will match your donation to the Avalon. You can double, triple or even quadruple the value of your donation by participating in your employer’s matching gift program.
Become a Member
Though deeply appreciated, your 100% tax-deductible donation does not confer membership at the Avalon. Avalon members receive great benefits like discounts on tickets and concessions and discounts at neighborhood businesses. If you would like to join the Avalon, please consider purchasing a membership in addition to your donation.
For more information, contact Robin Fender at (202) 966-2149 or rfender@theavalon.org
The Avalon Theatre Project Inc. (dba Avalon Theatre) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 52-2360410) . All donations to the Avalon Theatre are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.