Donations Still Up, Says ALF and GLLKA

With the current money crunch and people tightening their purse strings, can Lighthouse non-profit groups survive in this current economic recession? At least two groups say yes they can. Bob Trapani, Executive Director of the American Lighthouse Foundation and Terry Pepper, Executive Director of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, both responded to a quick questionnaire asking a few questions on the state of the lighthouse preservation effort. Thanks to both for taking the time to respond.

Terry Pepper is the well known Great Lakes lighthouses historian and photographer, who besides directing the GLLKA, runs the authoritative site, Seeing the Lights. GLLKA restored and manages St. Helena Island Lighthouse in the Straits of Mackinac and provides educational workshops on the island to youth leaders, teachers and other interested parties. The organization also produces and distributes educational material, including the Educational Resources Guide.

Bob Trapani, historian, author, photographer, grant writer and Director of the nation’s best known lighthouse preservation organization, the American Lighthouse Foundation, which cares for 23 lighthouses under its wing. Besides all that, Bob also has recently stepped in as director of the Maine Lighthouse Museum, which melded its organization with the American Lighthouse Foundation in Rockland, Maine. As if that isn’t enough, he and his wife Anne-Marie run the Storm Heroes website, about the US Lifesaving Service, Coast Guard and of course our Aids to Navigation.

On to the questions and answers…

Has the current economic downturn affected donations to ALF/GLLKA?

Bob: No, donor giving for our mission has been holding steady throughout 2008 to date, which is wonderful. Donor support has been consistent, but where ALF did see a slight drop-off this year was in events such as lighthouse cruises. One of the factors contributing to this was no doubt the high gas prices we incurred this year, which forced people to cut back on some travel and extra activities. Visitation at lighthouses like Pemaquid Point, Rockland Breakwater, Portsmouth Harbor and Race Point has remained consistent with numbers from recent years.

Terry: 2008 has been one of GLLKA’s best years - in membership levels, attendance of our excursions, and in donations. Most lighthouse preservation groups are largely supported by older people, many of whom are already in retirement. I believe it is too soon to determine exactly what economic effect the most recent down Wall Street cycle will have on donations.

Has grant money also tightened up?

Bob: Yes, but not necessarily from the current economic conditions. The economy is like a boomerang in that nonprofits often cope with fluctuating financial conditions some three, six and nine months down the road — even a year later. There is a lag in regards to what is happening in today’s financial sector and how this news / reality impacts the giving philosophies of charitable foundations who are into grantmaking.

Grant money in general has been more challenging to obtain in recent years, not so much from economic conditions, though they do apply, but more so from the fact that there is simply so many more nonprofits today than years ago that are vying for a limited pool of money.

In addition, grantmakers and corporations have become more selective in the missions they choose to fund. Causes such as children, healthcare, social improvements, the environment and education (among others) all rank high on the list, but it is much more difficult to obtain monies for historic preservation, which obviously makes lighthouse restoration more challenging.

Will the current financial crisis impact the giving philosophies of grantmakers in 2009 and beyond? The answer is quite possibly, which makes it imperative for lighthouse groups to find more ways to make our mission more attractive to potential grantmakers outside the obvious benefits of historic preservation.

Terry: Federal and State grants have indeed become less numerous. Lighthouse groups in Michigan are fortunate that the State has a lighthouse license plate program. A percentage of the money resulting from sales of lighthouse license plates goes to lighthouse preservation groups in the State in the form of matching grants. Approximately $250,000 was granted in 2008, and it appears the program will be continuing. We are also fortunate to have Senators Levin and Stabenow supporting lighthouse preservation in the state, and they have introduced a bill which will help provide funding to preservation groups if passed.

Have you done anything unique to increase monetary contributions? Or planning to?

Bob: ALF is always looking to increase the value of its mission, and how it impacts the organization’s members and communities at large, regardless of the economy. In recent years there is no such thing as ‘normal’ conditions. Nonprofits must be pro-active and ‘light on their feet’ in order to be able to react to change and to experience continual growth and mission appeal.

There is no secret formula for being successful at this endeavor, but by being vigilant mission-wise, telling our story, caring about people and making sure our efforts add value to communities, the hope is that donors will continue to invest in our mission because we are proving that by working together, we can bring about positive change, while persevering through economic challenges.

Terry: One technique that I have been using recently with some success is to appeal directly for contributions to fund very specific projects. Whenever an opportunity arises (in person, newsletters, email campaigns, etc.) I describe the exact project and the exact amount required for completion. Whether it be washing machines, lens restoration, new doors or computer servers - I believe people appreciate knowing exactly where their money is going.

Have you had to tighten the belt on restoration yet? Put plans on hold, in other words?

Bob: No. Through annual and longer-term strategic planning and budgeting, ALF has been able to realize steady successes in restoration projects involving the lighthouses under our stewardship.

What we are finding out, like so many other nonprofits, is that it takes multiple sources of funding to carry out mid to large-size projects due to grantmakers reducing the size of grants monies awarded. With more nonprofits vying for the same or reduced pool of funds from charitable foundations, grantmakers have deployed the strategy of giving smaller grants to more nonprofits.

This means that lighthouse preservation projects may require a little longer fundraising period moving forward as groups pursue multiple funding sources. The good news is that if the lighthouse community stays aggressive with its fundraising efforts and can continues to integrate its mission with community improvement and economic vitality, our efforts stand as good a chance as any to experience the goals of growth and success.

Terry: We do not plan to put our restoration and preservation activities on hold. Our lighthouses need and deserve constant effort and attention. We will just have to get more proactive and creative.

Any suggestions to others?

Bob: In today’s changing world, it all comes down to who believes in their nonprofit mission more, and who is willing to sacrifice more of their time and resources in an effort win. I strongly believe that lighthouse preservation has the right kind of people to make this happen.

In my opinion, the present economic situation should not spawn fear for lighthouse preservation, but rather make us resolute to overcoming the challenges we have, and will continue to face moving forward. Being smart about strategic growth measures despite the uncertain financial situation is a must.

Yes, we may have to ‘hold steady’ on certain aspects of our core mission as we ride out this economic storm, but I also believe that we should resist the mindset of cutbacks and the limiting of our aspirations, for even in bad situations there is always opportunity to be had. By working together and remaining business savvy, lighthouse preservation will continue to ’shine bright’ and serve as a symbolic beacon to guide our nation through a rough period.

Terry: Nothing beyond what I have already outlined.

To the Readers:

Has your experience been the same? Different? Is your group struggling to raise money, or are your donations staying the same? Please share your thoughts, either by emailing me through the link in the newsletter, or responding in the comments section below. And if you have any tips to share, let us know also.

Photo Credits:

• Money donation pit at Currituck Lighthouse by Lori Wright. Some rights reserved.
• Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse at Sunset by Bristol Sue. Some rights reserved.
• St. Helena Island Lighthouse by CW Bash. Some rights reserved.

Keep up with Lighthouse News. Get articles by Email or in a Reader.