The State of Preservation Funding in 2024

Measuring Success in Preservation Projects: A Guide for Grant Applicants Measuring the effectiveness of preservation projects is crucial for grant applicants seeking funding to protect, restore, and preserve the natural and cultural resources along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. The funder, a Banking Institution, requires applicants to demonstrate a clear understanding of how they will measure the success of their projects. In this section, we'll outline the key considerations for measuring success in preservation projects, including required outcomes, KPIs, and reporting requirements. Preservation projects funded by this grant must advance priorities within the coastal area boundary along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. To achieve this, applicants must identify specific, measurable objectives that align with the funder's priorities. For historic preservation projects, this might include restoring a historic building to its original condition, preserving a cultural landmark, or promoting heritage tourism. The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 is a key regulation that applies to preservation projects, requiring federal agencies to consider the potential impacts of their actions on historic properties. One of the primary challenges in delivering preservation projects is securing the necessary expertise and resources to ensure that work is done to a high standard. For example, restoring a historic building may require specialized skills such as stonemasonry or carpentry, which can be difficult to find and expensive to hire. To overcome this challenge, applicants may need to collaborate with other organizations or individuals with the necessary expertise. When it comes to staffing and resource requirements, preservation projects often require a range of skills, including project management, conservation, and interpretation. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary capacity and expertise to deliver their project, or that they have a plan in place to acquire the necessary skills and resources. In terms of risk, preservation projects are often vulnerable to eligibility barriers, such as the requirement that projects be located within the coastal area boundary. Applicants must ensure that their project meets all eligibility criteria and that they are compliant with relevant regulations, such as the NHPA. Non-compliance can result in the loss of funding or reputational damage. To mitigate this risk, applicants should carefully review the grant guidelines and ensure that they understand all requirements. When it comes to measurement, preservation projects must demonstrate tangible outcomes that align with the funder's priorities. Required outcomes might include the number of historic buildings restored, the area of habitat restored, or the number of people engaged in preservation activities. KPIs might include metrics such as the condition of restored buildings, the level of community engagement, or the economic benefits of preservation. Reporting requirements will typically include regular progress reports and a final evaluation report. Applicants must demonstrate that they have a plan in place for measuring and reporting on their project's outcomes. For preservation projects, this might involve working with experts such as conservators, historians, or ecologists to develop and implement a measurement plan. Q: What types of preservation projects are eligible for funding under this grant program? A: Eligible projects include those that advance priorities within the coastal area boundary along the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline, such as restoring historic buildings, preserving cultural landmarks, or promoting heritage tourism. Historic preservation grants for nonprofits and individuals are available, as well as grants for historic buildings and preservation projects. Q: How do I measure the success of my preservation project? A: To measure the success of your preservation project, you'll need to identify specific, measurable objectives that align with the funder's priorities. This might involve tracking metrics such as the condition of restored buildings, the level of community engagement, or the economic benefits of preservation. You can also draw on resources such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation grants and federal grants for historic preservation to inform your measurement plan. Q: What are the reporting requirements for grant recipients? A: Grant recipients will be required to submit regular progress reports and a final evaluation report. The specific reporting requirements will be outlined in the grant agreement, but may include metrics such as the number of historic buildings restored or the area of habitat restored, and may be informed by grant money for historic buildings and historical grants.