How to Save a Place

FUNDRAISING BASICS

Raise money to support what matters.Fundraising isn’t about money -- it’s about your mission. People give

because they feel passionate about a cause and because they

believe they can make a difference. Highlight the work you’re doing to

make a difference and tell your donor how they’ll be a part of it.

People give to people.People are behind the foundations, corporations, and government agencies

that you might appeal to for a grant or donation. Find out as much as possible

about prospective supporters to help you build meaningful and lasting

relationships.

Be accountable;

be ethical.Be transparent with those who are

helping support your work. It’s

important to accurately track and

report fundraising revenue and

expenses. A big part of transparency

is sharing results. Hosting tours and

events for donors at your historic site

will help you show that their financial

support made a tangible difference.

Successful fundraising starts with a plan.Before you can reach out to individuals and institutions, you need to have a funding goal

and a plan for how you’ll reach it. Make a list of people and places you will ask for funding

and how much. Decide when you’ll write your letters and/or apply for grants; you’ll likely

need funding at different points along the way in your project. Remember, always read the

guidelines for any grants you apply for.

Search beyond traditional sources.

Preservation Fund grants are a great place to start. But there are also many

other places to look -- private-sector philanthropies, corporations, corporate

foundations, to name a few. Speak to bank trust officers about any local or

individual trusts, bequests, and foundations that might embrace the goals of

the preservation project. Get creative -- reach out on social media, host a

special fundraising event, think outside the box.

Look at national

funding resources.

Grants.gov offers a

comprehensive list of federal

grant opportunities. The National

Park Service also administers a

range of grants. Plus, check out

The Getty, Tourism Cares, and

the Foundation of the American

Institute for Conservation. Keep

looking and you’re sure to find

more.

Also research

state funding

resources.Talk to someone in your state

historic preservation office

(SHPO). Most states administer

historic preservation grant or loan

programs.

Don’t forget local funding resources.Reach out to your local historic preservation office. If your community

is a Certified Local Government, it’s eligible to apply for grants that

can help fund a variety of preservation projects. You can also look for

community foundations in your state.

Explore emergency

grants.If your historic site has been

damaged in the last few weeks by an

unexpected event such as a flood,

fire, or high winds, it may also be

eligible for a National Trust

Emergency/Intervention Fund Grant.

Funding can also be used to support

advocacy campaigns in response to

pending legislation or development

pressures.

Never give up.Fundraising isn’t magic, nor is it an arcane science. Think about it more as a

conversation with someone (whether it’s in person or on paper), not a

transaction. It might not be easy or feel totally comfortable at first, but

remember the most important part is simply asking.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save America’s

historic places. Preservation Tips & Tools helps others do the same

in their own communities.

For more information, visit blog.preservationnation.org.

Photos courtesy: Specious, Wikimedia; Susana

Raab; NWABR, Flickr; Duanebates, Wikimedia;

NPCA Photos, Flickr; Eli Pousson, Flickr;

Specious, Wikimedia; EncMstr, Wikimedia; US

Army Environmental Command, Flickr; Maralei

Bunn, Wikimedia; Duanebates, Wikimedia;

Slworking2, Flickr.