coordination with constituent organizations to develop cohesive experiences and messaging .
• Pass-through funding : Develop and operate an internal grants program to benefit constituent non-profit organizations and community groups .
• Sustainability : Fundraising , grant writing , planning , and collaboration-building for long-term financial and organizational stability , long-term management of heritage resources , and longterm maintenance of infrastructure and programs created by the Management Entity .
Options for Management Entity Structure
Two possible scenarios for structuring an NHA Management Entity to successfully carry out core program tasks are described below .
Option 1 – Develop a New 501c3 to Manage the NHA
In this scenario , a new 501c3 entity is created for the sole purpose of managing all aspects of NHA programs , including staffing and fiscal oversight . This model would require NHA management partners to commit to work with an additional regional entity on top of their many existing , overlapping organizational partnerships , missions , funding sources , and human resources . An existing entity would need to commit resources to establish and coordinate a Board of Directors to develop this new organization until federal planning funds are released . Maine , and particularly Downeast Maine , both have a high number of existing 501c3 organizations that already partner together in numerous collaborations and serve on each other ’ s Boards . Development of yet another 501c3 in the region would further stretch and divide both financial and human resources .
Option 2 – Collaborative Board of Existing Organizations & 501c3 Fiscal Sponsor
In this scenario , a formal Board is established through a partnership of equals committed to the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area program , rather than as an individual entity overseeing it . The Board is a collaboration of representatives of existing organizations with missions and goals that are compatible or parallel with the heritage priorities of the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area . Organization partners sign a Memorandum of Understanding and commit some staff time , technical assistance , and funds to support the NHA program . Board members
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