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Author:Hope Stewart

Stay Healthy and Enjoy the Outdoors

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

May is one of the most beautiful months in Maryland, and as long as it’s done safely, there are plenty of places and opportunities to get out in nature while complying with social distancing measures. After all, fresh air and sunshine are good for our health.   Following Governor Larry’s Hogan’s Update Regarding Maryland’s Stay at Home Order and Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation, individual and small group sports are now permitted and closed functions at state parks are reopened, including all state beaches and playgrounds If you’re looking for a state park...

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Strategies for Making Heritage Sites Accessible
May 11 2020

Tomorrow! Strategies for Making Heritage Sites Accessible Webinar

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Join the Four Rivers Heritage Area on Tuesday, May 12, at 10:00 a.m., for Strategies for Making Heritage Sites Accessible. While our partners’ sites are closed to the public, we know you have been hard at work planning for the future, including ways to fill accessibility “gaps” and welcoming all audiences. This webinar features Robert Forloney, Program Developer & Cultural Institution Consultant, who will lead a discussion on the key aspects of planning for accessibility. He will focus on the ethical and legal requirements of ADA compliancy, strategies to serve audiences with special needs, the WHY...

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Virtual Experiences
May 08 2020

Apps for Virtual Tours

News, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Last week we announced our new Virtual Experiences page, highlighting a variety of online exhibits, educational resources, activities, webinars, and video tours from our partners. Are you interested in offering a virtual experience for your visitors? Below are some tools that can help you create a virtual tour or even venture into augmented reality. Clio Clio is your guide to the history and culture around you. Discover nearby historical and cultural sites. Each entry and walking tour is created by local historians, universities, historic sites, and museums. With a free Institution Account,...

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Resources for Nonprofits 2
May 07 2020

Self-Care During COVID-19

News, Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Many of our previous posts have focused on how you can take care of your organization throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is also important that you take care of yourself. The following resources offer support and encouragement to help you cope with the wide range of health- and wellness-related challenges you may be experiencing during this crisis.   The American Alliance of Museums shared an article on Seeking Self-Care Solutions, for COVID-19 and Beyond, sharing some of the biggest stressors facing museum employees and ways employees and...

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Donor Engagement and COVID-19

News, Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Our nonprofit donors play an integral role in allowing us to fulfill our missions. For that reason, even with our sites closed for now, donor engagement remains important. The resources listed below may be helpful to reach a better understanding of how this engagement might change and evolve due to our shared experiences with COVID-19, and how we may want to shift our approaches towards donor relations in order to ensure the financial sustainability of our organizations.  Bloomerang has compiled a library of crisis fundraising advice, articles, opinions, webinars, videos and...

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Resources for Long Term Planning
May 04 2020

Resources for Reopening Strategies

News, Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Our local heritage sites have done a fantastic job in adapting and adjusting to the current crisis. Now is the time to start planning ahead to reopening and determining what’s next for your organization. The below resources have helpful guides to assist you in the process. American Association for State and Local History First, read AASLH’s It’s Strategic to Think of the Future: Strategic Planning in the Time of COVID-19 to understand why you need to start thinking now not only about your pending reopening, but what your organization will look like...

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Emergency Grants
Apr 30 2020

Maryland Humanities CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants

News, Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Applications Open May 1 Maryland Humanities is accepting applications to its $500,000 CARES Act Emergency Relief Grants Fund. The funding is made available by the National Endowment for the Humanities as part of the CARES Act. The goal of this new program is to sustain Maryland’s public humanities infrastructure and to ensure that organizations can continue to provide opportunities for Maryland’s diverse communities to access and engage with public history, cultural heritage, and civic learning during this unprecedented time. Grants will support nonprofit general operating expenses. Eligible nonprofit organizations include: museums, historic sites,...

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Farm
Apr 29 2020

Supporting Local Farmers During COVID-19

Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our farmers are working hard to make sure our community has access to healthy food and fresh produce. According to the Maryland Farm Bureau, Anne Arundel County has 381 farms totaling 28,111 acres. Fortunately, farmers’ markets in Maryland are considered an essential business and can remain open. Here are some ways you can continue to buy local and support our farmers. Farmers’ Markets Guides Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation publishes the Arundel Grown Guide, an informative directory of locally grown and produced goods in Anne Arundel County. Southern Maryland Farmers’...

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Paycheck Protection Program Resumed

Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Following the second round of CARES Act funding, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications from participating lenders. Nonprofits with less than 500 employees are eligible to apply for this federal relief measure. About the Paycheck Protection Program The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. You can...

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Updates to State Funding and Pandemic Assistance

News, Partner Resources, Whats new
by Hope Stewart

Four Rivers strives to keep you updated on changes to the assistance programs available to our stakeholders. Here are today's updates: State Arts Council Emergency Grants Update Recognizing that the extraordinary demand for State and Federal resources is resulting in application delays and increased wait times for responses, the Council and the Secretary of Commerce have approved changes to MSAC’s Emergency Grant program. The program now requires applicants to estimate anticipated funding from State and Federal sources but does not require proof of application. In addition, clarity on deadlines and review periods...

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