How You Can Help
Over the Preservation Trust’s 20 year history
many generous people, businesses, and foundations have provided
the financial support that has helped us assist community leaders,
volunteers, and nonprofit organizations in virtually every
community in Vermont. We think this work has made a remarkable
difference, but much more needs to be done. If you value Vermont’s
communities and special historic resources, make a contribution
today. Read below about the programs you are supporting.
Your help will make a real
difference!
Grants for Community
Preservation Work
The Preservation Trust is developing a $3
million endowment fund to support local historic preservation
activity. This fund will generate $150,000 annually in grants to
help rehabilitate significant historic properties throughout
Vermont. The Preservation Trust has initiated and administered a
variety of grant-making programs which in turn have supported a
wide range of local preservation projects. The Fund for Vermont's
Third Century, Better Communities for Vermont's Future, and the
current partnership with The Freeman Foundation are all examples
of programs which have helped many. The proposed endowment will
ensure our ability to provide grant support to Vermont communities
and organizations over the long term.
Expert Support for Historic
Preservation
Project Development Grants are one of the best
ways in which we help local organizations move ahead on
preservation projects. The grants range in size from $250 to $500
and can be used to fund whatever it is that a community
organization needs to move ahead. These grants produce great
leverage and help to build local capacity. For a newly-formed
local group, the grants provide a useful "stamp of
approval," and are often a real confidence-builder. A
$500,000 endowment will enable the Preservation Trust to continue
to provide $25,000 annually for matching grants to provide
preservation plans, fundraising assistance, volunteer development,
advocacy training, organizational development, and other essential
support for community preservation efforts.
Securing the Preservation
Trust's Organizational Base
The Preservation Trust has always done its work
with minimal overhead expense. Even today, the operating budget is
less than $250,000 annually. Individual contributions, fundraising
events, and endowment income now cover all operating costs. A goal
of the Board of Directors is to enlarge the current operating
endowment to cover regular operating costs so that the
Preservation Trust can focus its attention on its primary mission.
Such an endowment would include a $500,000 Director's Fund which
would provide income each year for salary expense.
The Grand Isle Lake House: A
Symbol of Our Work
The Grand Isle Lake House was built in 1902/3
and is one of the last remaining hotels of its period in Vermont.
At one time there were a great many turn-of-the-century hotels
located on Vermont lakes and tucked away in the countryside.
Island Villa operated as a hotel until 1955. From 1955 until 1993
the Sisters of Mercy operated Marycrest as a girls camp and
retreat center. The Sisters of Mercy came to realize in 1922 that
they could no longer support the property. Marycrest was then
purchased by a charitable buyer who donated it to the Preservation
Trust of Vermont. The property includes 55 acres of land, and
approximately 2,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Champlain. While
taking on this responsibility has been a significant undertaking
for the Preservation Trust, it has provided us with an incredible
opportunity to protect a special landscape and substantial
frontage on Lake Champlain, and to restore and use an important
historic building for a wide range of activities. The
rehabilitation is now partially complete, and the hotel is now
used for retreats and training with special emphasis on nonprofit
users, and for family gatherings and weddings. A total of $300,000
is needed to complete the funding for the restoration.
