Leasure tourism development- fundraising

Experience has shown that the efforts of Leasure and Associates have significantly enhanced the fundraising potential of the projects in which we have been involved. Projects need definition in order to receive funding from government agencies and from private foundations. Such definition includes goals and objectives, and budgets and planning, a clear vision of what will be accomplished and how. Funding agencies want to know what will result from the expenditure of the funds.

Various funding entities have different criteria for the award of grant funds. Community-based organizations are interested in benefits to the community. Economic development oriented groups want to know how many jobs will be created and whether or not the project will be financially self-sufficient and in what period of time. Historic preservation organizations are concerned with the accuracy and authenticity of the historical aspects of the project.

Preliminary concept planning done by Leasure and Associates provides the necessary definition. Drawings and narrative help project participants and potential sponsors create in their own mind an image of what the project will be and what benefits it will produce. The communication of that image is the key to successful fundraising.

Recent applications of this communication principle have resulted in local, foundation, and state funding for the National Oregon/California Trail Center in excess of $1 million. Another successful application of the principle is found in the Corridor Management Plan for the Native American National Scenic Byway which was done for the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. This plan led to approval of Federal Highway Administration transportation enhancement grants for Byway projects of approximately 2 million dollars.

The ability of any worthwhile project to apply for and secure outside funding is greatly increased by the performance of preliminary concept design by Leasure and Associates. We communicate what can be done.