collectively make decisions about funding and implementation of all aspects of the NHA program by consensus .
The Board works in direct fiscal partnership with a 501c3 organization , but the management structure and fiscal agency remain separate . The Fiscal Agent receives federal and cash match funds , does the accounting , writes checks , maintains documents required for reporting , manages IRS and State reporting , and includes the NHA program in their annual Audit . The partner 501c3 organization also provides a staff person dedicated to management of the NHA program – the Program Director .
The NHA Board works with the Program Director to coordinate with partners , make decisions about community grants for heritage projects , and manage NHA funds and reporting . Department of Interior funds pass through the National Park Service to the 501c3 fiscal partner . Funding is distributed to heritage projects and programs according to the NHA Board and their Program Director , who are guided by priorities established through community planning . The Management Planning phase will help inform decisions about the specific composition and procedures of the Board and structure of local grant-making programs .
Recommended Management Entity Structure
Downeast Maine already contains many 501c3 organizations whose missions complement each other and frequently overlap . They serve on each other ’ s Boards and committees , partner on projects & programs , and seek funding from the same sources . Adding another 501c3 to the region would create further competition for volunteers , committed Board members , and funding . Start-up nonprofits can struggle to raise adequate cash-match in the first years . Further aligning the missions and boosting the capacity of heritage-related organizations and community groups is a primary goal for joining the NHA program . Partnering with an established 501c3 allows the Management Entity , the Downeast Maine NHA Board , to focus on its mission to preserve and build upon the region ’ s valued heritage . Therefore , Option 2 , Collaborative Board of Existing Organizations & 501c3 Fiscal Sponsor , is the recommended management structure .
Candidates for 501c3 Fiscal & Staffing Partner
Very few existing entities in Downeast Maine have broad enough missions to represent the full intent of the National Heritage Area Program , and very few have the staff or other resources to dedicate to managing the program to the extent necessary . The Sunrise County Economic Council has provided fiscal sponsorship and staff to convene the public and complete the Feasibility Study and is willing and able to continue to support the Downeast National Heritage Area program . The mission , programs , and regional coverage of SCEC and their direct partners align with National Heritage Area priorities and regional heritage goals .
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