Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Seeking the financial assistance of one or more private sponsors for the planning and development of a preservation project is a viable source of funding. For this approach, a project proposal should be prepared for presentation to potential sponsors. Individuals, organizations, corporations, and companies based in your community or region may be sole or multiple source contributors.

The project proposal should include: an explanation of the project's vision (such as public education, cultural enrichment or heritage tourism), a brief history of the property (emphasizing its prominence and role in the community), a concise description of its current or intended use (highlighting specific functions and activities relative to the project's vision), an outline of the repair/restoration work with cost estimates, and a project schedule.

A community wide fund raising campaign is an effective approach for preservation projects. This technique is used by most preservation organizations in the state and across the country as a means of funding programs and capital projects. This approach has the advantage of involving the entire community in the effort to protect and preserve a prominent local landmark. Like the private sponsor strategy, the success of a community fund raising scheme depends in part upon the project's vision and the current or future use of the property

The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a national NFP membership organization, has published a booklet called Quest for Funds Revisited: A Fund Raising Starter Kit, which provides useful information about fund raising strategies.

In addition, public and private libraries may have information about foundations and corporate sponsors that may offer possible sources of funding for your project. Your proposed project's goals, needs, current or future use(s), and public benefit should be identified before you begin your research.

Last but not least, The Foundation Center, a national NFP organization, is also a useful source of information and assistance about corporate donors and foundations. The Center collects, organizes, analyzes and disseminates information on foundation and corporate philanthropy. It offers free public access to this information in four Center-operated libraries across the country and a nationwide network of more than 190 cooperating collections.

Last but not least, The Foundation Center, a national NFP organization, is also a useful source of information and assistance about corporate donors and foundations. The center collects, organizes, analyzes, and disseminates information on foundation and corporate philanthropy. It offers free public access to this information in four center operated libraries across the country and through a nationwide network of cooperating collections. In addition, the center's publications program features numerous titles on philanthropic giving and other NFP sector concerns. For more information, contact The Foundation Center, 79 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003, 212 620 4230