Scenarios and Guidance

Non-Profit Organizations

If you’re an employee of or volunteer with a Connecticut non-profit organization, these are common scenarios you may encounter. Within each is a number of resources that may be helpful.

A non-profit is seeking funding and/or Preservation guidance for a Building they own/lease/rent.

1. Use ConnCRIS to determine if the property is on the State or National Register of Historic Places and to gather other important information.

2. Seek funding or guidance for funding opportunities from these organizations.

And don’t forget to look locally! Reach out to the municipal economic development or planning director.

    3. Schedule a Site visit with a PCT Circuit Rider for guidance on all things preservation.

    4. Hire a consultant for guidance:

    A non-profit organization wants to have property recognized or designated as a historic property.

    1. Check on ConnCRIS to make sure it is not already designated.

    2. Understand the types of Historic Designations that may be useful in helping preserve a property. Work with the Circuit Riders at PCT to explore options and facilitate eligibilty determination with SHPO. Submit the property information to SHPO via their eligibility determination form.

    3. If Eligible, nominate a property to the State Register of Historic Places or National Register of Historic Places or explore having a property locally designated: Local Historic District and Property Designations. For properties that are largely open space, look into The Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program.

    3. Hire a consultant in PCT’s Preservation Directory to help write a nomination.

    A non-profit organization does not own a historic property but is advocating for one to be saved or preserved.

    1. Use ConnCRIS to determine if the property is on the State or National Register of Historic Places. Or, find out if it is already protected using the Local Historic Districts and Properties tool.

    2. Gather information:

    3. Contact PCT and and Connecticut Preservation Action to look into their numerous advocacy efforts to lead the conversation on statewide policies promoting and protecting historic places.

    4. Ask the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) for advice. Federal and federally-sponsored programs and projects are reviewed pursuant to Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).

    5. Contact local interest groups, community organizations (churches, temples, cultural centers, etc.), historical societies, architectural heritage associations to raise awareness and encourage advocacy and protection. Learn more in A Citizen’s Guide To Section 106 Review.

    6. Filing an injunction under the CT Environmental Protection Act as a legal way to stop demolition.

    A non-profit organization is looking to develop preservation education/outreach materials, events, and activities in their community.
    A non-profit organization wants to change or influence policy.

    1. Contact Connecticut Preservation Action, CT’s statewide preservation advocacy group. The national organization, Preservation Action has an Action Center to look through as well.

    2. Learn How to Lobby in CT and determine if you are required to file as a Lobbyist.

    3. Learn about and track bills in the General Assembly. Talk to your local legislators too! Find them here.

    4. Work with PCT to influence legislation.

    A non-profit organization wants to advocate for affordable housing.

    1. Generate a list of properties that have potential to be rehabilitated into housing. Learn about the use of historic preservation tax credits as a mechanism for creating housing/affordable housing. Contact the SHPO for more information.

    2. Gather information:

    3. Utilize funding and technical support from CT’s Small Cities CDBG Program.

    A non-profit organization is looking to preserve a historic landscape, cemetery, or park.

    1. Explore the property’s designation on ConnCRIS. Contact SHPO for more information about archaeology. The American Society of Landscape Architects (or the Connecticut branch) may also be able to help.

    2. Seek PCT’s funding opportunities or SHPO’s grants. Funding for rural places is also available through the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program.

    3. Donating open space can help protect it in perpetuity. Seek advice from organizations like those listed by the CT NEMO Program or The Recreation and Natural Heritage Trust Program or the Trust for Public Land.

    4. If a cemetery, seek advice from professional and volunteer organizations like the Connecticut Cemetery Association. Network with others who are doing the same work through the Connecticut Gravestone Network. Encourage the municipality to acquire title to an abandoned cemetery. You can learn more in Site Lines: Grave Deeds and Abandoned Cemeteries.

    5. Call attention to the property by nominating it to Landslide (The Cultural Landscape Foundation).

    6. Alert local media about the threatened building and its significance to local and state history. Get ideas in How to Save a Place: Get the Word Out.

    Be Inspired!

    Preserving Japantowns in California

                                   

    Learn what you can do for a threatened historic resource with Saving the Neighborhood: You Can Fight Developers and Win!

                                   

    “How to Protect and Preserve the Historic Places that Matter to you” from Preservation Pennsylvania

    General Resources

    Preservation Guidelines

    State Funding

    Research

    Back to the scenario homepage

    Contact PCT Circuit Riders for help!

    Back to the toolkit homepage

    Become a Member or Donate Today!

    GET INVOLVEDDONATE