I guess to answer my own question is yes there is such a thing as operation grants, first from private foundations and second from public grants but more from economic development than historical preservation grantees.
From OCLC;
"Trends in preservation and operating funding
Working in cooperative network settings for the past 14 years, I have noticed distinct trends in the development of preservation, access and grant programs that support both projects and operations. No matter what "nay Sayers" may claim, that there has not been a better time than now for cultural heritage institution funding in the past decade.
We need to keep our eye on what the economy does to grant funding, but the current programs in place, many of them new, are providing many opportunities. These include traditional federal sources, foundations, and some non-traditional sources."
Operating Grants
Operating grants are certainly difficult to write and receive. The very nature of most grant programs, especially from foundations, is to fund new and innovative projects rather than continuing activities. Foundations and federal agencies also prefer project grants because they have specific start and end dates, and because they set goals and action plans which can be evaluated.
However, even though we hear about a dislike in awarding operating grants, according to the 2002 Edition of the Directory of Operating Grants more than 500 foundations award grants to support operations in cultural institutions.
These grants support the general, ongoing operating expenses of the institution's usual activities. And this funding is unrestricted - meaning you are not required to develop directly attributable activities/specifically to get the grant. Operating grants help to underwrite mortgage or rent payments, salaries, office supplies, utilities, and other overhead expenses.
In order to convince foundations, federal agencies, and donors to supply operating support, your agency must make itself and its mission unexpendable. You must perform a crucial role for your user community. Then that role can be matched to a foundation or organization's action plan or agenda. With research, when you find a funder, you can develop shared goals and objectives."
I wonder to offset the costs of NFP historical railroad operations with restored/preserved historical grant funded equipment would be not to seek historical preservation grants but rather ecomomic development grants? This might work good on the CATS?
Colorado Non Profit Association
Colorado Tourism Office Matching Grant Office
Economic Devlopment Administration
Definately a "consultant" question, lots to learn...that type of learning that costs money.
I also wonder if the
Friends of 169 are sort of seeking funding this way, if only they could operate if restored in Alamosa County?
