Board Governance and Strategic Planning Program
The Challenge
Many NPPN members are facing critical governance challenges in the post-pandemic era.
Organizations across the network are struggling with:
- Disengaged or weakened boards of directors
- Lack of strategic planning resources and expertise
- Difficulty maintaining in-person relationship-building
- Overwhelming demands for staff teams
- Generational transitions as seasoned preservationists retire
The Solution
NPPN is launching a comprehensive Governance & Strategic Planning Program to provide targeted, hands-on support to member organizations. This new program addresses the foundational need for strong board governance and strategic planning — the bedrock of successful nonprofit preservation work.
What We Provide
Expert Facilitation
- Experienced preservation professionals facilitate the strategic planning process
- Customized assistance for establishing/strengthening board governance infrastructure
- In-person retreats designed to rebuild and/or strengthen vital relationships and create a strategic plan with full organizational buy-in
Critical Information
- A comprehensive survey of Board and staff members to gather the information crucial to a successful planning process
- One-on-one meetings with organizational leaders to gain a detailed understanding of their perspectives on the organization and to identify issue areas and priorities
- Experienced facilitators with deep experience working with preservation organizations and will share best practices for operations and programming
Financial Support
- Partial grant funding available for organizations unable to afford full participation – see the Financial Assistance Application for more details.
- Professional facilitators compensated through NPPN
“I’ve been a part of many strategic planning processes- but never one as clean and clear as the one Kim Trent facilitated for the Preservation Houston board last week. Why did this work so well?
- The board was ready- and so was I. We worked together as an executive committee to develop strategic planning goals and select the facilitator. The board leadership and Kim worked hard to get buy in from all members prior to the retreat. I came to the retreat ready and excited for their ideas and direction.
- We had a facilitator with deep understanding of the preservation space. Her examples helped us see possibilities and also refine our ideas.
- There was lots of time to get to know each other better and to sit down and do the planning work together.
It wasn’t a complex process- it was straightforward and focused. I am so grateful for National Preservation Partners Network for providing this opportunity for us!“
JENNIFER KAPRAL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
PRESERVATION HOUSTON
Ongoing Mentorship
- Continued guidance and networking opportunities for participants
- Annual webinars for NPPN members on governance best practices
- Tools and templates for sustainable, long-term planning
Program Benefits
For Participating Organizations:
- Receive a customized comprehensive strategic plan with annual update capability
- Establish or strengthen a Board Governance Committee
- Build internal capacity for ongoing governance work
- Navigate generational leadership transitions
For the Preservation Field:
- Stronger, more effective preservation organizations nationwide
- Increased capacity to save more historic places
- Enhanced organizational sustainability and impact
- Growing the national network of preservation organizations and saving more places
Program Structure
- Serving: 3-4 NPPN member organizations annually
- Targeted Approach: Customized solutions based on individual organizational needs
- Sustainable Model: Teaching participants to continue the work independently
- Future Expansion: Additional funding sought after successful pilot year
Why This Matters Now
With a new generation of preservation leaders stepping into leadership roles and the field facing new challenges, this program provides essential support during a critical transition period. Strong governance isn’t just about organizational health—it’s about building the foundation needed to protect more historic places and strengthen communities nationwide.
Ready to strengthen your organization’s foundation for long-term success?
Contact Kim Trent, NPPN Executive Director at Kim@PresPartners.org.
Financial support is available. Interested organizations should complete the Financial Assistance Application.
This project has been funded in part by a grant from the Moe Family Fund for Statewide & Local Partners of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.