THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION INVITES PROPOSALS FOR PILOT PARTICIPATION IN THE RURAL HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE OVERVIEW PROJECT DESCRIPTION. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, with support from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, will work with regional and state partners to carry out a national demonstration initiative for heritage-based economic development in two selected rural regions. Heritage tourism, local product and skill development, and other preservation-based strategies will be used as alternative models for rural regions to diversify their economy, focusing on rural heritage as an economic and social asset. The National Trust will work with appropriate partners in carrying out these strategies. The National Trust will select two diverse rural regions to be strategic sites in a three-year Rural Heritage Development Initiative pilot. Communities within the region will participate in a collaborative effort. This initiative will help leaders in America s rural communities develop sustainable economic development strategies that protect the qualities valued by rural residents. BACKGROUND. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, with over 200,000 members and partners across the country, is the leader of America s historic preservation movement. Its mission is to provide leadership, education, advocacy, and resources to save America s diverse historic places and revitalize communities. Many rural areas across the country, with a wide range of historic and cultural assets, are experiencing a rebirth, especially those on the exurban fringe and in high amenity recreation areas. The resulting economic benefits, while desirable, have the potential to harm the rural qualities that made the areas attractive to new residents in the first place. On the other end of the rural spectrum, the counties that are in economic decline approximately one-third of all rural counties, characterized by high rates of depopulation and rising levels of unemployment have important historic and cultural heritage resources that could be real assets in their revitalization. The National Trust s preservation-based approach to economic development has significant advantages for rural areas. The authentic heritage, cultural assets, products, and human skills and talents found in rural areas can be a catalyst for locally owned entrepreneurial business development. Rural tourism offers an exciting opportunity for rural areas to diversify their economy using the region s unique heritage as the key for economic revitalization, offering an authentic visitor experience, enhancing the overall quality of life in the region, and creating a sense of place that encourages companies and individuals to live and work in the area in addition to attracting visitors. The utilization of rural historic structures such as barns, commercial and industrial buildings, and other structures for traditional and new emerging uses can help retain jobs, attract new residents, and provide new, sustainable economic bases.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 2 The revitalization of historic rural downtown areas provides attractive unique commercial environments, improves property values, and offers quality of life amenities to tourists and residents. Finally, preservation-based planning and development tools can help maintain the rural landscape and character of an area threatened by economic decline or by sprawl and unmitigated growth. PART I. PILOT SELECTION PROCESS ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS. Applicants for the Rural Heritage Development Initiative must be. a statewide preservation organization, and/or a state coordinating Main Street program, housed in a non-profit organization or government agency; and/or a regional organization that has preservation as a significant part of its mission. Applicant organizations must be non-profit corporations with 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service (except for state Main Street programs housed in a state agency). Joint applications from these entities are preferred and encouraged. Joint applications must designate a lead applicant organization, which will serve as primary fiscal agent for the grant; the lead applicant must be a non-profit organization rather than a government agency. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. Selected regions must have the organizational capacity to undertake the pilot and a firm commitment to provide the ongoing local leadership and investment. Selected regions must have a demonstrated need for preservation-based economic development and planning principles. Each pilot must be able to demonstrate evidence of established partnerships and a history of collaboration with related entities and organizations in the region and state, such as the National Trust (regional offices and other programs), regional heritage areas, state tourism office, state office of economic development, state universities, and similar agencies and institutions. Each pilot region must also have had current and/or previous investment in the region by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. (To determine whether or not your region has had Kellogg activity or investment, visit the foundation s web site at http://www.wkkf.org/knowledgebase/grants/.) Each pilot region and state must also provide a matching financial investment, as well as in-kind project assistance. Full details of the match are outlined in Part IV Match Requirements. Selected pilot regions will preferably be able to demonstrate all or most of the following characteristics: A multi-county, multi-community geographic area defined by common history, cultural heritage, and economic base; an area large enough to be considered a region rather than a community, yet small enough to allow for collaboration on joint strategies and projects A critical mass of historic places, rural landscapes, and attractions in the region A compelling history and cultural heritage with potential to attract and retain visitors in the area At least two active Main Street communities located within the region, designated by the state or coordinating Main Street program A staffed statewide organization with historic preservation as its primary mission (IRS 501(c)(3) status required) willing or with potential to be the lead state partner on the
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 3 project, ideally in collaboration with the state Main Street program and/or a lead regional organization or tribal government that has preservation as a significant part of its mission Existing tourism infrastructure or immediate potential to develop the infrastructure Entrepreneurial potential for existing and emerging businesses Ability of the region to meet or exceed the required financial match as outlined in Section III below Commitment from an existing regional organization or commitment to establishing a regional steering committee (in absence of existing regional organization) and designating a regional coordinator if needed Demonstrated consensus from government, nonprofit, and business entities in favor of undertaking this effort, including all county or tribal governments in the region and municipal governments in the region s Main Street communities Potential for preservation-based economic development assistance to make a measurable difference in the span of the three-year initiative Willingness to share information and serve as a model for preservation-based rural development in other areas of the country APPLICATION REVIEW. All applications will be given careful consideration by a multi-disciplinary team of reviewers. Using the criteria listed above, up to five finalists will be selected. Members of the review team will make site visits to the finalist regions. These regions may be requested to submit additional information to the review team or participate in one or more conference calls. Two pilot regions will be selected, served by two different National Trust regional offices. One alternate region will also be selected, in the event that one of the pilots is unable to fulfill the initial terms of the agreement. The alternate region will have access to lessons learned during the project and may, where feasible, be able to participate in selected training opportunities and conferences. ANNOUNCEMENT. Within one month of selection, the pilot regions will sign contractual agreements with the National Trust and will forward the year-one financial match to the National Trust. The National Trust will announce the two pilots with a national press release. TIMELINE. Three years of intensive consulting assistance for each pilot area will follow the initial pilot selection phase. An evaluation and follow-up phase will take place after the direct technical assistance is completed, as estimated on the timeline below. Dates are for planning purposes only. March 15, 2005 June 30, 2005 July August 2005 September 9, 2005 September 16, 2005 September October 2005 RFP announcement Proposal deadline Application review, site visits to finalist regions, and selection Contracts, MOA, and financial match deadline Public announcement of selected pilot regions Assessment visits
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 4 December 15, 2005 January 2006 February 2006 October 2008 October 2008 March 2009 Final assessment report and recommendations Final outline of scope of services and technical assistance; shared field staff hired Comprehensive technical assistance Final evaluation & reports; outcomes and publications PART II. SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE NATIONAL TRUST OBJECTIVES. Over a three-year period, a multi-disciplinary team of experts led by National Trust staff will work with community leaders in each region to develop and carry out a collaborative preservation-based economic development plan that: increases heritage tourism potential within the region; creates opportunities for small business growth and expansion, with a focus on local products and entrepreneurship development; strengthens the import-export balance of the local economy; builds community leadership capacity, both individual and organizational; presents alternate strategies for planning, land use, and infrastructure; helps preserve special places and rural character valued by the communities within each region. SCOPE OF SERVICES. Each pilot region will receive three years of intensive assistance from a multi-disciplinary team of experts in heritage tourism, downtown revitalization and local entrepreneurial business development, rural preservation, marketing, organizational capacity building, fundraising and public policy. This represents over $350,000 of direct technical and consulting assistance per region; it does not include additional resources and money identified for project-specific funding resulting from this initiative, which will be an added financial benefit to the region. The National Trust will provide comprehensive preservation-based development services for each of the two pilot regions, including but not limited to: Conducting an in-depth, multidisciplinary assessment, with follow-up report, recommendations, and presentation. Each selected area will receive an in-depth multi-disciplinary assessment that encompasses heritage tourism, new business development and enhancement of existing businesses, historic preservation needs/opportunities, and organizational capacity. Based on the needs and opportunities identified during the initial assessment, a schedule of intensive technical assistance will be developed in collaboration with the local partners to assist each demonstration area in achieving its short and long-term goals. Implementing integrated on-site training and consulting services appropriate to the region for Cultural heritage tourism Downtown revitalization and sustainable local business development Preservation/development of historic buildings
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 5 Housing and neighborhood revitalization Rural landscape preservation and sustainability Planning and zoning Public policy and advocacy Identification and development of financial tools Capacity building and resource development Service design and delivery will be planned in collaboration with the regional steering committee (see next page) and with other key partners. Service design and delivery will be adjusted and fine-tuned according to lessons learned during the course of the pilot project. Capacity building will be a key component of all assistance provided, with specific assistance tailored to meet regional needs. For example, the National Trust s Development staff will act as advisors to the project team in its work with community leaders by identifying regional funding prospects and providing information and feedback to help local leaders prepare their own proposals and to enhance their fundraising skills. Identifying, providing, and/or developing training materials, using a variety of media, appropriate to the needs identified in the pilot region. Convening experts, key thinkers, and practitioners for regional workshops, conferences, and summits. Leaders of the two pilot regions will have opportunities to come together during the three years to compare approaches, share lessons learned, and hear from other rural experts. STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK. The National Trust will assist the region with structuring a framework for project management and implementation and with building organizational and implementation capacity. The purpose of the organizational infrastructure is to increase chances for successful implementation of rural development strategies and to ensure continuity and sustainability over the long term after the initiative has ended. Key components of the organizational framework in each region will be: A shared field representative who will live in the region and be trained in preservation-based rural economic development. Responsibilities: This new full-time, professional staff person will be funded through the Rural Heritage Development Initiative and will be shared staff between the statewide preservation organization, or other lead non-profit entity, and the National Trust regional office. The work of the field staff person will focus solely on the pilot area. He or she will be the employee of, and report to, the statewide preservation organization (or other non-profit entity) and also report to the National Trust regional office director. He or she will work closely on the ground with the regional steering committee on preservation-based training and development strategies, to ensure ongoing, long-term sustainability of the rural development effort. He or she will attend all training and take advantage of professional development opportunities on national rural revitalization issues. A broad-based regional steering committee that represents key rural development stakeholders Responsibilities. The regional steering committee (which may or may not be a preexisting organization) will be representative of major rural heritage and economic
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 6 development stakeholders in the region. It will be multi-county, with at least one representative from each county in the region and each Main Street municipality. The steering committee will be selected by the region, in consultation with the review team and the National Trust. It will be staffed by the shared field representative. Members of the steering committee will attend all on-site training and other opportunities as appropriate. Members will also be required to attend quarterly meetings, assist with project implementation, and perform other project-specific duties identified during the course of the grant. The steering committee will also have a key role in determining success measurements and evaluating outcomes of the initiative. The steering committee will make a long-term commitment to sustaining rural heritage development strategies in the region after the initiative has ended. Prior to beginning the initiative in each pilot region, the statewide preservation organization (or lead non-profit entity), regional steering committee, and National Trust will sign a memorandum of agreement indicating clear understanding of the working relationships among the different entities. PART III. EVALUATION & OUTCOMES KEY INDICATORS. The progress and the results generated by each area will be carefully monitored throughout the demonstration project in comparison to baseline data collected, and benchmarks established, at the outset. In addition, the scope of services outlined above will be complemented by: Tracking and measuring key indicators Reporting and publicizing the results Conducting an independent evaluation Sharing the model nationally Pilot regions will be expected to comply with data gathering and reporting requirements in order to generate accurate observations and findings. The economic development goals for each area will be monitored throughout the demonstration project, and the final results will be documented and measured against the baseline data compiled at the beginning of the project. The final results will be compared to the goals established at the outset by key stakeholders for each area. While specific economic and quality of life goals will be established for each region and will vary from area to area, potential desired outcomes could include: Creation of a climate conducive to developing new living wage jobs Creation of opportunities for new businesses to serve visitors and residents Potential for increased visitation to the area and/or to specific heritage sites Potential for increased visitor spending and increased tourism tax revenues Opportunities for private-sector investment in property improvement and development Demand for additional units of affordable and market-rate housing New cultural and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents Progress in preserving key historic sites and places to protect community character Positive changes in local, regional, and state rural public policy
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 7 Enhanced community pride within each region Long-range plans in place within the region for preservation-based development, implemented by a sustainable organizational structure A tracking model to enable communities to monitor progress on an ongoing basis INDEPENDENT EVALUATION. An independent evaluation firm will be retained at the outset to help establish indicators to determine progress toward achieving the goals of the pilots and monitor the measurable outcomes of the pilots over the four-year period. A progress summary will be provided soon after the close of each of the initial two years of the pilots and a full evaluation at the completion of the fourth year. PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTS. In addition to providing measurable benefits to the demonstration communities, this initiative will provide broad national exposure and a variety of how-to educational tools in different formats. The measurable successes, results, and lessons learned from these two real-life pilots will be shared widely in a variety of user-friendly formats to provide broad national exposure. These tools include: Print and electronic publications showcasing successes and lessons learned. These studies will be developed for each of the pilot areas in both electronic and printed format to be shared with other rural communities across the country through appropriate contacts. Additional copies of the publications developed through this initiative will be available for sale through the National Trust s Preservation Books program. The electronic case studies will include extensive visuals, testimonials, and contacts, as well as hotlinks to other websites. Presentations and dialogues at national, state, and regional conferences. The National Preservation Conference and the National Main Streets Conference will provide venues to showcase firsthand the approach and outcomes of these pilot projects. Opportunities will also be sought to share the story of this project at other relevant national conferences. Broad media outreach. A communications effort will extend the impact of the case studies, reaching out to regional and national newspapers, magazines, trade publications, radio, and television. Additionally, the National Trust will work with rural list-servs and small town newspapers to support extensive coverage within each pilot area. PART IV. MATCH REQUIREMENTS FINANCIAL MATCH. Participation in the Rural Heritage Development Initiative will require a financial match from the pilot region itself and from broader state and regional sources. The purpose of the match is twofold: To leverage the resources of the National Trust and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation in order to provide full and comprehensive rural revitalization assistance; and To ensure that the region has sufficient investment in the project and the resources for sustaining preservation-based rural development strategies beyond the scope and timeline of this project. The minimum match and payment schedule from each region are as follows:
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 8 Technical Assistance to the Region Financial Match In-Kind Match From National Trust & WKKF Total financial match needed Total includes minimum from the pilot region From the pilot region Year 1 (Due 9/9/05) $120,000 $60,000 $25,000 Year 2 $120,000 $60,000 $25,000 Year 3 $120,000 $60,000 $25,000 Part-time support staff Publicity & promotion Assistance with meeting logistics, meals & lodging Total $360,000 $180,000 $75,000 The leveraged amount of $360,000 coming back to each pilot region will be in the form of training, technical and consulting assistance, including consulting fees and travel, resource materials, and the salary of the shared field representative. It does not include expenses during the pilot selection phase or expenses during the evaluation phase after the project has ended. Thus the required financial match of $180,000 from each pilot region represents one-third of the total cost of $540,000 ($360,000 + $180,000) of services to be provided for each region. If funding is available, the pilot region may provide more than the match amount indicated, up to 85% of the total required amount. Other sources outside the region (such as those indicated in the allowable match section below) must provide at least 15% of the total. Any match amount committed over and above the required minimum amount shown on the table will be directed entirely to additional consulting services and technical assistance within the region or used for implementation of specific projects. It will not be used to fund operating expenses at the National Trust. Allowable match. Eligible sources for regional and state matches include, but are not limited to, municipalities, county governments or other public entities; state agencies and entities; corporate and community foundations; individual and business contributions; non-profit contributions; other grants; eligible federal monies. Ineligible match. National Trust grant funds for the Rural Heritage Development Initiative can not be matched with other funding received from the National Trust or with funds from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. In-kind match. Pilot regions will also be required to provide certain aspects of in-kind match, including part-time administrative support as necessary, on-site logistical arrangements, assistance with meals and lodging, publicity and marketing, and similar requests, as noted above. In-kind match does not count toward the $180,000 matching requirement per region above. The year-one match is due when the initial contract is signed. The remainder of the match is due at six-month intervals. However, commitments for the total matching funds for the respective pilot must be made before the Trust finalizes its selection of the two pilots. ONGOING FUNDRAISING ASSISTANCE. During the course of the initiative, certain economic development strategies and projects will require additional project-specific funding to move the project to completion. The National Trust s fundraising staff will act as advisors to the project team in its work with community leaders by identifying additional funding prospects and providing information and feedback to help local leaders prepare their own proposals and to enhance their fundraising skills for securing additional grant monies to fund identified projects.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 9 PART V-1. APPLICATION APPLICANT INFORMATION Applicant organizations must be non-profit corporations with 501(c)(3) determination from the Internal Revenue Service (except for state Main Street programs housed in a government agency). The lead applicant will serve as primary fiscal agent for the grant. The lead applicant must be a non-profit organization. LEAD APPLICANT: 1. of organization: Type of organization: Street address: Mailing address (if different): City/state/zip: Telephone: E-mail: Primary contact: Statewide preservation organization Non-profit state Main Street program Regional non-profit organization Other (Please describe): Contact information if different from above: Phone 2. s mission statement: Fax: Web site: E-mail 3. Enclosures: CO-APPLICANT: A copy of the organization s latest annual report (or, if not available, a copy of the organization s articles of incorporation, current operating budget, and a list of current board of directors) A copy of the organization s 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS 4. of organization: Type of organization: Street address: Mailing address (if different): City/state/zip: Telephone: Statewide preservation organization State Main Street program Non-profit Regional non-profit organization Other (Please describe): Government agency Fax:
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 10 E-mail: Primary contact: Contact information if different from above: Phone 5. s mission statement: Web site: E-mail 6. Enclosures: CO-APPLICANT: A copy of the organization s latest annual report (or, if not available, a copy of the organization s articles of incorporation, current operating budget, and a list of current board of directors) A copy of the organization s 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS (If applicable) Description of the state agency structure in which the Main Street program operates) 7. of organization: Type of organization: Street address: Mailing address (if different): City/state/zip: Telephone: E-mail: Primary contact: Statewide preservation organization State Main Street program Non-profit Regional non-profit organization Other (Please describe): Contact information if different from above: Phone 8. s mission statement: Government agency Fax: Web site: E-mail 9. Enclosures: A copy of the organization s latest annual report (or, if not available, a copy of the organization s articles of incorporation, current operating budget, and a list of current board of directors) A copy of the organization s 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 11 (If applicable) Description of the state agency structure in which the Main Street program operates)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 12 PART V-2. APPLICATION SIGNATURES We affirm that the information and commitments in this application are accurate and valid to the extent of our knowledge. If selected as a pilot region for this project, we will commit to the outlined program requirements, including hiring a shared professional staff person dedicated to the project, forming a regional steering committee, and providing the required financial and in-kind match. We also indicate our willingness for outcomes and results of this project to be shared as a model for other rural regions in the country. Please include the following signatures as applicable: Director, National Trust Regional Office: (required) Executive Director, Statewide Preservation : Board President, Statewide Preservation : Coordinator, State Main Street Program: Date Date Date Date Board President or Agency Director, State Main Street Coordinating Program: Executive Director, Regional : Board President, Regional : Board Members, Regional, or proposed members of the Regional Steering Committee: Date Date Date
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 14 PART V-3. APPLICATION REGIONAL ASSETS AND QUALIFICATIONS Please provide the following information in numbered order. Where narrative descriptions are called for, please limit each to a maximum of 500 words. 1. Proposed region a. Map of the proposed rural project area b. Description of the region s geographic boundaries c. Counties in the project area d. Incorporated municipalities in the project area e. Population of proposed project area f. Definition of rural used in identifying the region g. List and contact information for state and federal legislators representing the region h. List and contact information for major local, regional, and state media i. W. K. Kellogg Foundation investment in the region (To locate regions where the W. K. Kellogg Foundation has current or previous investment, visit the grants section of the foundation s web site, http://www.wkkf.knowledgebase/grants/.) 2. Historic, cultural, and natural assets a. List of: i. National Register listed properties and districts ii. National Historic Landmarks iii. Locally designated historic sites iv. Other properties and sites considered historic by local residents b. Description of the region s most significant historic and cultural themes and stories. c. Description of the region s major cultural heritage assets and attractions d. List of the region s other major attractions that might not be historic in nature but are significant in bringing visitors to the area (e.g., an amusement park, etc.) e. Narrative description of the attractions of the rural landscape f. List of events and festivals held in the region and their sponsoring organization(s) g. Attachments: Brochures that describe or market the region s history and cultural attractions; events calendars; other marketing materials; up to 25 photographs (digital,.jpg format preferred) that depict the historic, cultural, and natural attractions of the region 3. Preservation organizations a. List of other statewide, regional or local preservation organizations other than the applicant b. Brief description of each organization s mission c. Description of how the organization will contribute to this effort d. Contact information for each organization 4. Main Street communities a. List of active Main Street communities in the region i. of program
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 15 ii. and contact information for current executive director iii. Brief list of program accomplishments b. List of other potential Main Street communities or districts in the region 5. Need for preservation-based development strategies a. Description of economic conditions in the region b. Description and outcomes of previous economic development efforts c. List and function of key economic development entities in region d. List and function of land use planning agencies and organizations e. Description of economic development activities already taking place in the region, with an indication of whether or not they are preservation based and how they are affecting historic and cultural assets in the region f. Description of how this initiative fits into the current economic development goals for the region g. Brief assessment of preservation ethic in the region h. Attachments: Copies of sections from regional economic development and/or comprehensive plans that address the proposed region (if available) 6. Local business development a. Business directories of communities in the region b. List of area Chambers of Commerce and other business groups, including contact information c. List and brief description of cultural arts groups or entities, including contact information d. Description and outcome of previous small business retention, business recruitment, and/or business marketing coalitions or cooperative business efforts e. Description of existing trainings and programs for entrepreneurial business development 7. Tourism infrastructure a. List of visitors centers and other visitor amenities b. Brief description of plans to develop additional infrastructure (if applicable) c. Contact information for convention and visitor bureaus in the region d. Attachments: Hotel, motel, and lodging brochures; regional restaurant guides; CVB brochures 8. Public and private sector partnerships and support a. Brief narrative describing successful partnerships already in place, significant projects in the region that have been undertaken collaboratively, and other evidence of successful collaborations b. List and brief description of key partnering entities and agencies and the role that each will be playing in the initiative (Note: This list should be limited to three or four key groups that will play major support roles in implementing rural development strategies. It is not a general list of stakeholders.) c. Resolutions of support from all county governing bodies or tribal governments in region d. Resolutions of support from municipal governments of all Main Street communities in region e. Resolutions of support from all Main Street boards of directors in the region
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 16 f. Letters of support from other key public agency directors, such as planning entities, tourism bureaus, and housing authorities g. Letters of private-sector support from any other key institutions expected to play a major role in the ongoing revitalization efforts, such as foundations, lending institutions, media, community organizations, private business and property owner groups such as the Chamber of Commerce, and other non-government entities 9. Financial match a. Financial support from pilot region i. Sources and amount ii. Letters of commitment b. Financial support from state entities i. Sources and amount ii. Letters of commitment Note: Total amount committed must meet or exceed amount required for the project. Commitment letters must include commitment to remit funds in a timely manner. c. In-kind support and assistance 10. Expectations i. and contact information for person handling initial planning and logistical arrangements for site visits ii. Commitment letter to provide clerical and administrative support as needed, along with e-mail and internet access; indication of who will be providing this support iii. For the regional steering committee, indication if this is a new committee or preexisting organization; amount of time and/or responsibilities the committee is willing to take on a. Description of outcomes expected in the region as a result of this initiative b. Description of how existing partnerships will be expanded and taken to the next level as a result of this initiative c. Description of commitment the region is prepared to make beyond the three year initiative to sustain long-term, preservation-based economic development strategies and to continue to work collaboratively
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL PAGE 17 GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION Three (3) copies of the application must be submitted in three-ring binders with numbered tabs corresponding to the requested information. The applicant information and signature pages should precede the tabbed sections. Brochures should be placed in a labeled envelope in the back pocket of the binder. Photos with captions should be included in the appropriate section in the binder, printed on a color printer or copier. All photos should also be included in.jpg format on a compact disc with label in one of the binder pockets. Please do not submit actual photographs, slides, or videos. Please do not spiral bind. Faxed or electronic applications will not be accepted. Applications will not be returned and become the property of the National Trust upon submission. Applications must be received at National Trust headquarters no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2005. Send the signed, completed application with all supporting documentation to: National Trust for Historic Preservation Rural Heritage Development Initiative Statewide & Local Partnerships Office Center for Preservation Leadership Attn: Valecia Crisafulli 1785 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington DC 20036 For additional information, call or e-mail Valecia Crisafulli, Associate Director for Statewide and Local Partnerships, Center for Preservation Leadership, National Trust for Historic Preservation; 202-588-6216; valecia_crisafulli@nthp.org. Please e-mail valecia_crisafulli@nthp.org if you wish to be included in group distribution e-mails of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) during the application and selection process. Thank you for your interest in preservation-based rural development!