Georgia Trust Receives $140,000 Matching Grant From National Trust for Historic Preservation

The Georgia Trust is One of 24 Partners Sharing in $5 Million in Grants to Strengthen Local Preservation Efforts

ATLANTA, March 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will receive a $140,000 Partners in the Field matching grant to preserve more historic buildings, houses and structures throughout Georgia and use preservation field services as a catalyst for economic development. Twenty-four organizations nationally were selected as recipients of the inaugural, multi-year Partner in the Field grants. Funds will be used to expand the scope of on-the-ground field services and assistance to property owners, developers, local officials, and others needing information and tools to protect and enhance their communities.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, based in Atlanta, was eligible to apply for the new matching grants because it is one of more than 100 Statewide and Local Partners of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Partners program, created in 1993, helps emerging and established state and local nonprofit preservation organizations by providing organizational development assistance, grant support, specialized workshops and training, information resources, and networking opportunities.

"Our statewide and local partners, including The Georgia Trust, are at the creative forefront of preservation in the 21st century," said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "Preservation fosters innovative solutions to complex problems. Our Partners in the Field matching grants will help our network of preservation organizations across the country use proven tools to save places and revitalize communities."

"This grant will allow us to provide technical assistance and outreach services to an increased number of historic buildings and structures around the state. Our current preservation assistance programs will not only flourish, but will become more effective," said Georgia Trust Interim President Ray Christman.

A total of $3 million was awarded in the first round of the new grant program, with another $2 million to be awarded next year. Awards in Georgia went to:

-- Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, $140,000, to preserve more historic buildings, houses and structures throughout Georgia and use preservation field services as a catalyst for economic development;

-- Historic Augusta (GA), $120,000, to provide expanded field services in the Greater Augusta area that incorporates preservation into community planning and development;

-- Historic Savannah Foundation (GA), $90,000, to work with city government to bring preservation field services and technical expertise to underserved, threatened historic residential neighborhoods.

Partners in the Field challenge grants are funded by a $5 million gift to the National Trust for Historic Preservation from the Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust and matched by significant contributions from local donors and foundations. In implementing expanded field services funded by the grant, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation will work closely with the National Trust's Southern Office in Charleston.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, nine regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in all 50 states, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories. For more information visit www.PreservationNation.org.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the country's largest statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations with more than 8,000 members. Founded in 1973, the Trust is committed to preserving and enhancing Georgia's communities and their diverse historic resources for the education and enjoyment of all. The Georgia Trust generates community revitalization by finding buyers for endangered properties acquired by its Revolving Fund; provides design assistance to 102 Georgia Main Street cities and encourages neighborhood revitalization; trains teachers in 63 Georgia school systems to engage students to discover state and national history through their local historic resources; and, advocates for funding, tax incentives and other laws aiding preservation efforts.

CONTACT: Communications & Marketing, 202-588-6141 (National Trust)

Traci Clark, 404-885-7802, tclark@georgiatrust.org (Georgia Trust)

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation

CONTACT: National Trust Communications & Marketing, +1-202-588-6141; or
Traci Clark of Georgia Trust, +1-404-885-7802, tclark@georgiatrust.org

Web Site: www.PreservationNation.org

2008-03-04 17:44:40 0304694 PRNEWSWIRE