Churches and sacred places continue to play a critical role in the health and wellness of our communities. They often act as overflow shelters for our most vulnerable citizens or as community gathering places for cultural performances or events. All the while, these buildings can be challenging to maintain. We offer this retreat in partnership with Partners for Sacred Places, a non-denominational nonprofit organization, to explore potential partnerships for existing churches and new uses for under-utilized church buildings.

Registration Deadline: May 13th

What are some techniques that community projects are doing to successfully fund-raise while enhancing the use of their historic buildings? Christine Graham of CPG Enterprises, Inc. will be on hand to provide training in the area of capital campaigns and annual giving. We will also explore how to manage a rehabilitation project, work with grantors, contractors, and the community to help you get to success.

Registration Deadline: June 10th

The United Nations defines community development as "a process where community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems." Historic Preservation plays an important role in community development, particularly when so much of Vermont's preservation work is focused in our downtowns and village centers. We offer this retreat for any nonprofit, for profit, community supported enterprise, or public facility taking on or exploring a building rehabilitation project or a project that strengthens their community.

Registration Deadline: July 8th

Are you struggling with how to balance preserving the historic integrity of your building with meeting accessibility requirements? In this retreat, we will explore the complex issues of providing accessibility while preserving the integrity and character of historic properties. We will also discuss maintenance planning for your historic property and explore the various resources available to help.

Registration Deadline: September 9th

With a strain on town budgets, what help is there to ensure that these critical facilities are maintained and well-used in an evolving environment? At this retreat, we will look at some of the particular challenges and opportunities for libraries, nonprofit-owned, and public buildings.

Registration Deadline: September 30th