Vision Historic Preservation Foundation has hired Toni Nagel Mason of Lexington as its grants manager.
Mason has 36 years of historic preservation and grant writing experience, including work with the John E. Conner Museum, the King Ranch in Kingsville, and the University of Texas’ Winedale Historic Site.
“Grant applications are a key part of our restoration funding strategy,” said Collier Perry, foundation chairman and managing director. “As we work to restore the 1895 City Hall, we will be pursuing grants in the categories of historic preservation, energy conservation, economic development, and enrichment of the arts—all of which are compatible with our mission.”
Since the nonprofit was founded in October 2020 and the purchase of “The 1895” was finalized in November 2020, much focus has been put into organizational development including recruitment of a diverse board, formalizing the mission and long-term vision, establishing goals and timelines, implementing marketing strategies, and integrating systems to prepare the foundation to launch its overall fundraising campaign in October.
“Writing multiple, simultaneous grant proposals and submitting applications are complex activities which merit the focus of specialized personnel,” Campaign Manager Curah Beard said. “I will be working closely with Toni on our grant submissions, but her skills and experience will allow me to focus on other areas of our overall marketing and fundraising campaign.”
While the foundation considered several talented candidates who could have worked remotely, finding a local grant writer, who has a personal interest in the success of the area, is of great value to both the Vision Historic Preservation Foundation and the community, Beard said.
“Having worked with numerous restoration and revitalization projects, I was excited to see an opportunity to put my skills to work so close to home,” Mason said. “I am honored to participate in the journey to bring a new chapter of life to Rockdale’s 1895 City Hall.”
Vision Historic Preservation Foundation will file the organization’s first round of grant applications this fall.
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