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Partner Resources

Resources on Accessibility – Recorded Webinar

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" box_shadow_on_row="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]On Tuesday, May 12, Four Rivers hosted a webinar entitled, “Strategies for Making Heritage Sites Accessible.” This webinar featured Robert Forloney, Program Developer & Cultural Institution Consultant, who led a discussion on the key aspects of planning for accessibility, the ethical and legal requirements of ADA compliance, strategies to serve audiences with special needs, the WHY of planning for all audiences, and how these efforts can improve the visitor experience for all. View recorded webinar: https://youtu.be/OT9F0VSFI9k Download the slides from the webinar here: Four Rivers Accessibility Workshop 2020 Mr. Forloney shared an extensive list...

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Image with the word "grants"
May 13 2020

Now Open! Maryland Historical Trust’s Historic Preservation Non-Capital Grants

In FY2021, funding totaling $300,000 has been distributed from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority Financing Fund to the Maryland Historical Trust to be awarded as Non-Capital Grants. Nonprofit organizations (including state agencies) and local jurisdictions may apply for Non-Capital Grants. These grants provide support for a wide variety of research, survey, planning, and educational activities involving architectural, archaeological, or cultural resources. Eligible activities may include preservation plans, historic and cultural resource surveys, educational outreach programs, and National Register nominations. Eligible Applicants Nonprofit organizations (including state agencies) and local jurisdictions are eligible to apply...

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Resources for Nonprofits 2
May 07 2020

Self-Care During COVID-19

Many of our previous posts have focused on how you can take care of your organization throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also important that you take care of yourself. The following resources offer support and encouragement to help you cope with the wide range of health- and wellness-related challenges you may be experiencing during this crisis.   The American Alliance of Museums shared an article on Seeking Self-Care Solutions, for COVID-19 and Beyond, sharing some of the biggest stressors facing museum employees and ways employees and...

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Donor Engagement and COVID-19

Our nonprofit donors play an integral role in allowing us to fulfill our missions. For that reason, even with our sites closed for now, donor engagement remains important. The resources listed below may be helpful to reach a better understanding of how this engagement might change and evolve due to our shared experiences with COVID-19, and how we may want to shift our approaches towards donor relations in order to ensure the financial sustainability of our organizations.  Bloomerang has compiled a library of crisis fundraising advice, articles, opinions, webinars, videos and...

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Resources for Long Term Planning
May 04 2020

Resources for Reopening Strategies

Our local heritage sites have done a fantastic job in adapting and adjusting to the current crisis. Now is the time to start planning ahead to reopening and determining what’s next for your organization. The below resources have helpful guides to assist you in the process. American Association for State and Local History First, read AASLH’s It’s Strategic to Think of the Future: Strategic Planning in the Time of COVID-19 to understand why you need to start thinking now not only about your pending reopening, but what your organization will look like...

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Emergency Grants
Apr 30 2020

Maryland Humanities CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants

Applications Open May 1 Maryland Humanities is accepting applications to its $500,000 CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants Fund. The funding is made available by the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the CARES Act. The goal of this new program is to sustain Maryland’s public humanities infrastructure and to ensure that organizations can continue to provide opportunities for Maryland’s diverse communities to access and engage with public history, cultural heritage, and civic learning during this unprecedented time. Grants will support nonprofit general operating expenses. Eligible nonprofit organizations include: museums, historic sites,...

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Farm
Apr 29 2020

Supporting Local Farmers During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers are working hard to make sure our community has access to healthy food and fresh produce. According to the Maryland Farm Bureau, Anne Arundel County has 381 farms totaling 28,111 acres. Fortunately, farmers’ markets in Maryland are considered an essential business and can remain open. Here are some ways you can continue to buy local and support our farmers. Farmers’ Markets Guides Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation publishes the Arundel Grown Guide, an informative directory of locally grown and produced goods in Anne Arundel County. Southern Maryland Farmers’...

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Paycheck Protection Program Resumed

Following the second round of CARES Act funding, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications from participating lenders. Nonprofits with less than 500 employees are eligible to apply for this federal relief measure. About the Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can...

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Updates to State Funding and Pandemic Assistance

Four Rivers strives to keep you updated on changes to the assistance programs available to our stakeholders. Here are today's updates: State Arts Council Emergency Grants Update Recognizing that the extraordinary demand for State and Federal resources is resulting in application delays and increased wait times for responses, the Council and the Secretary of Commerce have approved changes to MSAC’s Emergency Grant program. The program now requires applicants to estimate anticipated funding from State and Federal sources but does not require proof of application. In addition, clarity on deadlines and review periods...

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Resources for Nonprofits2
Apr 23 2020

National Endowment for the Humanities Relief Fund for Cultural Institutions

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEC) has announced guidelines for "NEH CARES," an emergency relief funding program for cultural institutions. Guidelines The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act recognizes that the nonprofit humanities sector is an essential component of America's economic and civic life. NEH has received supplemental funding to provide emergency relief to institutions and organizations working in the humanities that have been affected by the coronavirus.  In keeping with Congress's intent in enacting the CARES Act, proposed short-term projects should emphasize retaining or hiring humanities staff. NEH invites applications...

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