The State of Historical Site Funding in 2024

Defining Preservation: Scope and Boundaries for Grant Applicants

The community grantmaking program's preservation sector focuses on the protection and conservation of historic buildings, landmarks, and cultural heritage sites. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of what preservation entails and how their projects align with this definition. Preservation involves the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic resources, including buildings, structures, districts, and objects. It encompasses a range of activities, from restoration and rehabilitation to conservation and maintenance.

Applicants should be aware that preservation is not limited to physical structures; it also includes the safeguarding of cultural and historical heritage. Projects that focus on documenting and preserving intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional crafts or cultural practices, may also be considered. However, applicants must clearly articulate how their projects contribute to the preservation of historic resources or cultural heritage.

The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 is a key regulation that applies to preservation projects. The NHPA requires that projects involving federal funding or permits undergo a review process to ensure that they do not harm historic resources. Applicants must be aware of this regulation and ensure that their projects comply with its requirements.

Trends and Priorities in Preservation Grantmaking

The preservation sector is experiencing a shift towards more community-led and inclusive approaches to historic preservation. There is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving the cultural heritage of underrepresented communities, including African American, Indigenous, and Latinx communities. As a result, grantmakers are prioritizing projects that involve community engagement and participation in the preservation process.

In North Carolina, where the grantmaking program is focused, there is a rich cultural heritage that reflects the state's complex history. The state's historic preservation office has identified a number of priority areas, including the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes associated with the state's African American heritage. Applicants should be aware of these priorities and tailor their projects accordingly.

In terms of capacity requirements, preservation projects often require specialized skills and expertise, including historic architecture, conservation, and cultural resource management. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the necessary capacity and expertise to undertake their proposed projects.

Operational Challenges and Risk Management

One of the key delivery challenges in preservation grantmaking is ensuring that projects are executed in a way that is consistent with preservation standards and best practices. This requires a high degree of technical expertise and attention to detail. Applicants must be aware of the potential risks associated with preservation projects, including the risk of damage to historic resources or non-compliance with preservation regulations.

Historic preservation projects often involve complex workflows and multiple stakeholders, including property owners, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Applicants must be able to manage these workflows effectively and ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and informed throughout the project.

In terms of staffing and resource requirements, preservation projects often require a range of specialized skills, including historic architects, conservators, and cultural resource managers. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the necessary staffing and resources to undertake their proposed projects.

Eligibility barriers for preservation grants can include a lack of clear title to historic properties, inadequate documentation of historic resources, or non-compliance with preservation regulations. Applicants must be aware of these potential barriers and take steps to mitigate them.

Measuring Success in Preservation Grantmaking

The success of preservation grantmaking is typically measured in terms of the number and quality of historic resources preserved, as well as the level of community engagement and participation in the preservation process. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their projects will result in tangible preservation outcomes, such as the restoration of a historic building or the documentation of a cultural heritage practice.

Key performance indicators (KPIs) for preservation grants may include the number of historic resources preserved, the level of community engagement, and the quality of preservation work. Applicants must be able to report on these KPIs and demonstrate that their projects are meeting their intended outcomes.

Required outcomes for preservation grants may include the preservation of historic resources, the promotion of cultural heritage, and the engagement of local communities in the preservation process. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their projects align with these outcomes and that they have a clear plan for measuring and reporting on their success.

Q: How do I determine whether my project qualifies as a preservation project? A: To qualify as a preservation project, your proposal must involve the protection and conservation of historic buildings, landmarks, or cultural heritage sites. You should be able to clearly articulate how your project contributes to the preservation of historic resources or cultural heritage.

Q: What types of preservation projects are eligible for funding? A: Eligible preservation projects may include the restoration and rehabilitation of historic buildings, the conservation of cultural heritage sites, and the documentation of intangible cultural heritage. You should review the grantmaker's priorities and guidelines to determine the types of projects that are eligible for funding.

Q: How do I ensure that my preservation project complies with relevant regulations and standards? A: To ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards, you should consult with preservation experts and regulatory agencies, such as the State Historic Preservation Office. You should also review relevant regulations, such as the National Historic Preservation Act, and ensure that your project meets the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Preservation.