Funding Eligibility & Constraints for Historic Preservation

Measuring Preservation Success: A Guide for Grantees

The Grants for Building Improvement program, funded by the Banking Institution, provides financial support to owners or tenants of commercial properties in Maine to improve the outside appearance of downtown areas. As a grantee in the preservation sector, understanding how to measure the success of your project is crucial. This page will outline the key considerations for measuring preservation success, including required outcomes, KPIs, and reporting requirements.

Defining Preservation Success: Outcomes and KPIs

When it comes to preservation, success goes beyond just completing a project. It involves preserving the historic integrity of a building while also enhancing its functionality and appeal. To measure preservation success, grantees must track specific outcomes and KPIs. The National Trust for Historic Preservation grants program, for instance, emphasizes the importance of preserving historic buildings and promoting heritage tourism. Some potential KPIs for preservation projects include:

• The number of historic buildings preserved or restored
• The increase in property values resulting from preservation efforts
• The number of jobs created or supported through preservation projects
• The amount of heritage tourism revenue generated

Grantees should also be prepared to report on the challenges they faced during the project, including any difficulties in meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, a concrete regulation that applies to this sector.

Reporting Requirements and Compliance

To ensure compliance with grant requirements, grantees must submit regular reports detailing their progress. This includes providing documentation of expenses, progress photos, and narrative reports outlining the project's status. One verifiable delivery challenge unique to the preservation sector is the need to balance modern functionality with historic integrity. Grantees must navigate complex regulatory requirements while also ensuring that their projects meet the needs of the local community.

In terms of risk, grantees should be aware of the potential for eligibility barriers, particularly if their project involves sensitive or protected historic resources. Compliance traps also exist, such as failing to adhere to the grant agreement or not meeting the required outcomes and KPIs. To mitigate these risks, grantees should carefully review the grant requirements and seek guidance from the Banking Institution as needed.

Best Practices for Measuring Preservation Success

To effectively measure preservation success, grantees should focus on collecting high-quality data that accurately reflects the project's outcomes. This may involve conducting surveys or assessments to determine the project's impact on property values or heritage tourism. Grantees should also be prepared to adapt their measurement strategies as needed, responding to changes in the project or unexpected challenges.

For preservation grantees, it's essential to understand that historic preservation grants for individuals and nonprofits can have different requirements and priorities. Federal grants for historic preservation, for example, may have specific guidelines for environmental impact assessments.

Q: How do I determine the historic significance of my building? A: You can start by researching your building's history and consulting with local preservation organizations or experts in historic preservation. The National Trust for Historic Preservation provides resources and guidance on this process.

Q: What types of preservation projects are eligible for funding under this grant program? A: The Grants for Building Improvement program is focused on improving the outside appearance of commercial properties in downtown areas. Projects that involve restoring historic facades, repairing or replacing historic features, or enhancing the overall aesthetic of the building are likely to be eligible. A review of grant money for historic buildings and historical grants indicates that projects with clear preservation goals and outcomes are more likely to be successful.

Q: How will I be required to report on the outcomes of my preservation project? A: As a grantee, you will be required to submit regular reports detailing your progress, including documentation of expenses, progress photos, and narrative reports outlining the project's status. You will also be expected to track and report on specific KPIs related to your project's preservation goals, such as those related to grants for historic preservation and historic building preservation grants.