National Heritage Area Management Entities vary widely in the number of staff and types of programming , and therefore have a wide range of budgets and varying contributions from different revenue sources . The need for staff and other resources is tied directly to the goals and priorities of the particular NHA . Resource commitment required by the Management Entity can range in degree from member and partner coordination , communication to the broader public , resources interpretation , heritage tourism promotion , grant-making , and program or project development .
The Downeast Maine National Heritage Area Management Entity will focus initial efforts on these foundational tasks :
• Establish minimum staffing needs - 1 full-time position
• Draft the Management Plan
• Establish mechanisms for ongoing coordination and communication among members
• Develop an NHA website , map , and supporting materials to connect existing information and facilitate cohesive heritage experiences and promotion of the NHA .
• Establish funding sources and in-kind commitments as needed for the startup phase of program implementation
Over the longer-term , funding needs for NHA program management will include :
• Administration and facilitation : Directing the NHA program will require the work of a full-time employee , along with associated expenses and overhead costs . A target budget of $ 150,000 annually would allow for staff and related expenses such as travel and public meetings , any fiscal sponsor fees , and administrative overhead .
• Marketing and communications : A target budget of $ 100,000 annually would fund a diverse program of web site management , digital advertising , printed collateral , and public relations . DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism and the Maine Office of Tourism will provide some cash match and in-kind support . Local and regional partners would support NHA promotion through their own marketing plans ( social media , website , paid advertising ).
• Pass-through funding to local organizations : This activity will be funded at whatever levels are possible for each budget year . To be meaningful , a good target is minimum funding of $ 300,000 annually . Pass-through funds are sub-grants made by the NHA Management Entity to eligible heritage projects in Downeast Maine ( eligibility is based on priorities defined by the community during the Management Planning phase , and by granting procedures set by the Management Entity ). Cash and in-kind match required for sub-grantees would meet or exceed a 1:1 ratio of grant funds , at least $ 300,000 annually .
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