Making History Project – Veteran Oral History Preserving Veterans’ Stories
501(c)(3) Status
Earlier this month, I submitted the necessary paperwork to the IRS for official non-profit status. The goal is to obtain non-profit status so fundraising efforts can be undertaken to take this project to the top. Donations to non-profit organizations are considered charitable donations and are generally tax-deductible. The Making History Project whose mission is to preserve, protect, and provide access to the stories of our Veterans, operates exclusively for educational and literary purposes. All of the video oral history interviews we obtain are freely provided and archived with the U.S. Library of Congress so future generations may see them long after our Veterans are gone.
Planning for Sustained Growth
For the past three years, I have self-funded the Making History Project for all expenses, including equipment, supplies, rent, and travel for interviews and presentations. To grow this project and to make it sustainable, more financial support will be needed. With non-profit status, I can finally approach businesses for strategic partnerships so this important work of preserving the stories of our Veterans continues. Let’s face it, without non-profit status, you are not going to get through the door. Likewise, the ability to obtain grants and secure great volunteers will be enhanced once we are officially a non-profit.
Fundraising Consultant
A local fundraising consultant has already been retained so that we hit the ground running once we get the green light from Uncle Sam. I am looking forward to this new and exciting chapter for growing the Making History Project. If you would like to get involved and help at the ground level, now would be the perfect time to reach out. No effort is too small or unappreciated. Let’s make some history!
