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The management entity proposed to plan and implement the project is described .
A long-term plan for development , implementation , promotion , and management of the Downeast Maine National Heritage Area is detailed in Chapter 10 , Long Term Management and Funding .
No Heritage Area will succeed without a strong and well-coordinated Management Entity and organizational partners guiding it . Given the many challenges inherent in establishing and maintaining a National Heritage Area , the stability or capacity of the Management Entity itself should not be in question . The Entity must have a proven track record of effectiveness in setting and achieving program goals in a collaborative environment and responsible management of large amounts of federal and other funds . The Management Entity must be a 501c3 organization or operate in partnership with one .
The Management Entity will be representative both geographically and thematically of the entire National Heritage Area , while remaining small enough to function effectively . Individual members of the Management Entity will represent a diverse skill set to support the extensive work required . Board members should bring skills and knowledge that fill NHA program needs .
Downeast Maine already contains many 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 cashmatch 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 .
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 . Therefore , a collaborative board composed of existing organizations and a 501c3 Fiscal Sponsor is the recommended management structure . Partnering with an established 501c3 allows the Downeast Maine NHA Management Entity to focus on its mission to preserve , promote , and build upon the region ’ s valued heritage .
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