named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
BBLA Award for Unparalleled Service to the Czech and Slovak Communities
Annual award recognizing individuals who have advanced awareness of Czech and Slovak culture, history, and achievements internationally; presented at a gala in New York City
Bohemian National Hall Event Programming
Hosts cultural events including concerts, art fairs, lectures, film screenings, and theatrical performances that highlight Czech and Slovak heritage and artistic contributions
Support for Member Organizations
Provides institutional and physical support to affiliated groups such as the Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences, Sokol New York, and the Vaclav Havel Center
activities · 5 groups
What they do
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Traditional & Cultural Performing Arts 1 activity
- Hosting cultural events at Bohemian National HallHosts concerts, festivals, lectures, film screenings, and multidisciplinary performances at Bohemian National Hall in Manhattan to present Czech and Slovak culture, including events such as chamber concerts by Czech musicians, talks by Czech artists, and themed celebrations like the 100th anniversary of the Flower Communion.
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Cultural Facility Development and Management 1 activity
- Management and operation of Bohemian National HallOwns and operates Bohemian National Hall in Manhattan as a cultural gathering space, including renting event space to external groups and supporting eight member organizations.
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Recognition and Awards Programs 1 activity
- Presenting the BBLA AwardRecognizes individuals who have advanced awareness of Czech and Slovak culture, history, and achievements internationally through an annual award established in 2018, presented at a gala event in New York City; recipients include Martina Navratilova (2024).
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Polish & Slavic Cultural Preservation 1 activity
- Preservation of Czech and Slovak cultural heritageWorks to preserve Czech and Slovak national heritage in the United States, with a focus on maintaining cultural connections for Slavic immigrants in New York City through ongoing programming and historical stewardship.
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Uncategorized 2 activities
- Enhancing musical programming with performance instrumentsAcquired a Steinway grand piano to enhance solo and chamber music programming at Bohemian National Hall, inaugurated with a gala concert on February 19, 2026, featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman and honoring Rudolf Firkusny.
- Mentoring professionals in the hospitality industryMentored individuals from the Czech Republic and Slovakia in the U.S. hospitality industry, supporting their professional development.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$554K
Contributions & grants$191K34%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$22K4%
Other revenue$341K
expenses
Total expenses$341K
Program expenses92%
Admin / overhead8%
Fundraising1%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$267K
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$1.22M
Cash$619K
Investments$321K
Liabilities$2K
Net assets$1.22M
Liquid reserves33.1 mo
4 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +12.0%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 9
- BLANKA SUCHANEK — SECRETARY
- GEORGE SUCHANEK — TRUSTEE
- GEORGINA SILHAN-SAGER — TREASURER
- JOSEPH BALAZ — PRESIDENT
- NORMA ZABKA — TRUSTEE
- SUSAN LUCAK — 1ST VICE PRESIDENT
- VIT HOREJS — TRUSTEE
- VLADO SIMKO — TRUSTEE
- ZUZANA HALSEY — TRUSTEE
relationships · 21
Who they work with
- Bohemian National Hall Partner — BBLA trustee for reconstruction of this historic institution.
- Bohemian National Hall Partner — Operates as a gathering place for Czech and Slovak organizations supported by BBLA.
- Comenius Academic Club Partner — Organization based in Prague that receives support through the Czech and Slovak Solidarity Council, of which Dr. Simko was president.
- Czech and Slovak Solidarity Council Partner — Dr. Simko served as president of this organization, which supports the Comenius Academic Club in Prague.
- Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences (SVU) Network — Dr. Simko was a past vice president and organized biomedical symposia at SVU world congresses.
- Dvorak American Heritage Association Partner — Co-organized the acquisition and inauguration of a Steinway grand piano at Bohemian National Hall.
- Filharmonie Brno Partner — Collaborated with Filharmonie Brno to present a chamber concert featuring Czech classical music.
- Havel Center Partner — Member organization hosting events under BBLA at Bohemian National Hall.
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Partner — Associate organization affiliated with BBLA.
- Slovak Heritage Council of the United States Partner — Member organization hosting events under BBLA at Bohemian National Hall.
- Society for the History of Czechoslovak Jews Partner — Member organization of BBLA that commemorates Holocaust victims and preserves the history and culture of Czech and Slovak Jews
- Sokol New York Partner — Member organization of BBLA focused on developing physical fitness, mental health, and a healthy lifestyle
- The American Fund for Czech and Slovak Leadership Studies Partner — Member organization of BBLA that sponsors Czech and Slovak high school students and facilitates their consultation with academic mentors
- The Association of Free Czechoslovak Sportsmen Partner — Member organization of BBLA that sponsors social events including dances and previously focused on sports competitions
- The Czech and Slovak Solidarity Council Partner — Member organization of BBLA that organizes annual symposia in collaboration with Czech and Slovak academic institutions
- The Czechoslovak Society of Arts and Sciences Partner — Member organization of BBLA that promotes Czech and Slovak intellectual history through lectures, concerts, and cultural events
- The Dvorak American Heritage Association Partner — Member organization of BBLA that celebrates Antonin Dvorak's musical contributions and his residency in the United States
- The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library Partner — Associate organization of BBLA that fosters self-discovery through exhibitions and programs on human rights, dignity, freedom, and community
- Vaclav Havel CENTER Partner — Member organization of BBLA that promotes democratic freedoms, human rights, and the transformative power of the arts in the spirit of Vaclav Havel
- Vaclav Havel Center Partner — Co-organizes the Annual Gala with BBLA to present the BBLA Award.
- Warwick International Hotels Partner — Collaborated with owners to develop international hotels and resorts.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Cultural Collaboration and Exchange to Broaden Engagementmethodology: cultural_exchangeBy collaborating with artists and professionals across cultural backgrounds, the organization advances public understanding of Czech and Slovak culture and strengthens international relations, because inclusive exchange fosters mutual respect and wider relevance.
- Cultural Preservation to Sustain Heritage Identitymethodology: cultural_preservationBy actively preserving Czech and Slovak cultural traditions, the organization sustains national identity among diaspora communities in the U.S., because shared heritage strengthens communal belonging and continuity across generations.
- Interdisciplinary Cultural Programming to Engage Critical Themesmethodology: interdisciplinary_artistic_programmingBy combining performance, visual art, and documentary formats, the organization fosters deeper public engagement with themes of power, perception, and identity, because interdisciplinary approaches enable more nuanced and impactful cultural discourse.