Role of the National Trust in the Funding Ecosystem
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the United States' premier nonprofit organizations dedicated to protecting historic places. Through its various grant programs, the organization provides critical seed funding to stimulate preservation projects at the local level, leveraging public discussion and private sector participation.
Hart Family Fund for Small Towns
The Hart Family Fund for Small Towns, established through the P.E. & E. Hart Trust, specifically targets preservation projects in small towns with populations of 10,000 or less. Grants range from $2,500 to $15,000 and support planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. The fund requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match from applicants.
General Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on significance of the project, urgency of need, budget quality, applicant's ability to secure matching funds, project timeline, long-term impact, qualifications of key personnel, and potential to replicate the project in other communities.
Transparency and Governance
As a established nonprofit organization, the National Trust maintains governance structures ensuring accountability. Grant recipients must submit final reports and financial accounting within one year of award. All projects must acknowledge National Trust financial support in printed materials.