Local and state nonprofits that advocate for historic preservation have long championed to save historic properties from destruction and demolition by maintaining numerous sites across the country. However, some historic preservation nonprofits’ property portfolios have suffered losses, largely due to oversight by volunteers who do not understand the nuances of historic preservation and nonprofit management. This thesis poses two questions in relation to this phenomenon, namely “What nonprofit management organizational factors are critical in engaging local/state nonprofit membership organizations to successfully manage historic properties?” and “Are there other preservation-related factors?” Answers are grounded in several sources: background research on nonprofit best management practices and best preservation practices; selected Georgia nonprofits’ history; and case studies of properties owned and maintained by those organizations. Ultimately, solutions are offered to guide state and local nonprofits in being better preservation stewards.
