VISION HISTORIC PRESERVATION FOUNDATION READY TO PURSUE GRANTS

Foundation hires experienced Grants Manager to seek Federal, State and Local funding.

 ROCKDALE, TX, AUGUST 13, 2021 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Toni Nagel Mason of Lexington, Texas as our official Grants Manager of record.  Toni brings to the Foundation 36 years of historic preservation and grant writing experience.  Of notable interest to the Foundation was her work with John E. Conner Museum and King Ranch in Kingsville, TX; and with the University of Texas’ Winedale Historic Site. 

“Grant applications are a key part of our restoration funding strategy,” stated Collier Perry, Foundation Chair & 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 non-profit 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 2021. 

“Writing multiple, simultaneous grant proposals and submitting applications are complex activities which merit the focus of specialized personnel,” says Campaign Manager Curah Beard.  “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 Vision Historic Preservation Foundation and the community.  “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,” expressed Toni Mason.  “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 welcomes Toni Nagel Mason to the team effective immediately and looks forward to working together to file the organization’s first round of grant applications this fall.   

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The Mission of Vision Historic Preservation Foundation is to enrich the arts & cultivate economic development by restoring the historic 1895 City Hall for the citizens, businesses, and visitors of Rockdale.

Our Vision is to act as a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Rockdale by:

* Preserving the historical significance of The 1895.

* Creating new purpose and attracting businesses to the Development.

* Inspiring a culture of art, commerce and tourism for residents and visitors.

* Enhancing the success of all area businesses and enriching the lives of our citizens. 

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 For more information about Vision Historic Preservation Foundation’s 1895 City Hall project, please call Curah Beard at 512-496-3962, or email cbeard@visionhistoricpreservationfoundation.org