Historic Preservation League of Oregon

Recently, the Oregon Heritage News listserve shared some great opportunities for small organizations and people who work for them. Learn about lobbying, watch the "Grants Chat" webinar (Feb. 20), see what grants NEH has available and look into the PSU Free-Choice Learning certificate for interpretive education.

“LOBBYING IS PART OF THE HERITAGE TOOL KIT”, ON EXCHANGE

Every year when Congress and the Oregon Legislature convene, people ask Kyle Jansson, “Can nonprofit organizations lobby elected officials?” His answer is always, “Yes.” In fact, lobbying is a part of the Heritage Tool Kit. Read how you can use this valuable tool on Heritage Exchange.

“GRANTS CHAT” WEBINAR SERIES OFFERED IN FEBRUARY, MARCH

Register and plan to attend "Grants Chat", a webinar series brought to you by the Oregon Cultural Trust and core statewide partners Oregon Arts Commission, Oregon Heritage Commission and Oregon Humanities. Be prepared to share specific questions if you have a project proposal in mind. The webinars will feature a chat function, allowing questions to benefit other participants - especially those with a specific focus. To sign up for a webinar, click on one of the following titles and dates Grants Chat with Oregon Humanities – February 20; Grants Chat with Oregon Heritage – February 27; Grants Chat with an Arts Focus – February 28: The webinars will run from 2 – 3 p.m.

If a question is too large in scope for coverage within the webinar timeframe, “Grants Chats” host Kimberly Howard will place it the "parking lot". The participant asking the question can register for a more detailed webinar in this series, which will focus on components of a strong grant proposal. These sessions include Project Planning with Oregon Heritage – March 6; Crafting Strong Narratives with Oregon Humanities – March 13; and Reporting Impact Using Strong Evaluation Tools with Oregon Arts Commission – March 19.

Once a grant applicant has read the guidelines of the grant program of interest, and attended at least one "Grants Chat", then a grant applicant may email a specific grants coordinator or grants manager to set up a longer phone conversation. The Oregon Cultural Trust offers a list of partner grant opportunities with contact information. For further information, call the Cultural Trust at (503) 986-0088 or email cultural.trust@state.or.us.

NEH OFFERS PRESERVATION ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR SMALLER INSTITUTIONS

The National Endowment for Humanities is offering Preservation Assistance Grants for smaller institution. These grants help small and mid-sized institutions such as libraries, museums, historical societies, archival repositories, cultural organizations, town and county records offices, and colleges and universities, improving improve their ability to preserve and care for their significant humanities collections. The application deadline is May 1 for programs beginning in January 2014.

Applicants must draw on the knowledge of consultants with skills and experience relative to the types of collections and the nature of the activities that are the focus of their projects. Small and mid-sized institutions that have never received an NEH grant are especially encouraged to apply. Visit the NEH website for an application and program guidelines.  For questions, contact NEH’s Division of Preservation and Access at (202) 606-8570 or preservation@neh.gov. Hearing-impaired applicants can contact NEH via TDD at 1-866-372-2930.

INTERPRETIVE GUIDE, FREE-CHOICE LEARNING WEBINARS SET AT OSU

Oregon State University (OSU) is offering an online course for professionals who engage the public in historic and natural resources. The Master Interpretive Guide Professional Certificate program combines dynamic online courses with internship opportunities so participants will become master communicators. Register for the program, and plan to attend an information session at 1 p.m., Feb. 11.

The Free-Choice Learning Certificate provides a critical look at informal learning theory by immersing museum and outreach professionals in theories that deepen an understanding of what, how and why the visiting public learns. Participants will work with some of the field’s leading researchers and learn how to apply informal learning environments theories in real-world educational settings. Register and learn more about the program at 1 p.m., Feb. 18.

To learn more, visit https://pne.oregonstate.edu/guide.