The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance announced today that it has launched its first-ever campaign to raise endowment funds to expand its core activities. Funds raised in the Irreplaceable Assets Capital Campaign will support a preservation services grant program, expanded public policy work and new ventures. Significantly, two major benefactors are encouraging others to donate with a $300,000 challenge.

Serving the needs of New Hampshire communities for more than 20 years, the Preservation Alliance works with more than 5,000 individuals, businesses and organizations with its preservation and policy services and its membership roster now stands at more than 1,600.

"Historic preservation efforts protect and enhance the character of our communities and our economic vitality," said Michael Harvell, campaign Co-Chair and former Chair of the Alliance board of directors. "This new capital will expand our effectiveness dramatically, and is an important investment in our future."

Recognizing the solid accomplishments of the Alliance as well as the growing needs of preservationists across the state, the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance plans to raise $750,000 in its Irreplaceable Assets campaign. A strong commitment from the Alliance board and the generosity of two lead donors has already raised more than $450,000 toward that goal.

The outstanding generosity of Bobbie and Cy Sweet of New Castle and State Senator Martha Fuller Clark and her husband Jeff Clark of Portsmouth shows their strong commitment to the Alliance and to the preservation needs of the state. "Like so many people who care about history and preservation, we recognize what a powerful resource theAlliance has been forour state," stated Senator Clark, "When we learned of the plans for expanding the core services of the Alliance,Geoff and I agreed that we wanted to make a substantial commitment, both personally and financially, to the project. I hope that our participation will encourage others to become involved." Senator Clark, who also serves as Co-Chair of the Campaign, hopes that her family's gift, and that of the Sweets, totaling $300,000, will be matched by others who share their commitment to New Hampshire's history, quality of life and preservation needs.

"We are so appreciative of the generosity of the Sweets and the Clarks; their commitment is a testament to the hard work of the Alliance and its members over the past 20 years," added Campaign Co-Chair, Michael Harvell, "As they have done before, the Sweets and the Clarks are providing important leadership to their community in the preservation area. We are overwhelmed by their generosity and sense of vision. This campaign is truly about individuals and communities coming together to take this valued organization to the next level of service."

Capital raised from the campaign will provide endowment funding for three purposes: (i) a Preservation Services Grant program to sustain and expand a recently-launched effort that helps communities steer preservation projects to positive solutions through building assessments, fundraising planning or help with preservation planning tools; (ii) a Public Policy Fund to support public policy initiatives such as educational programs for legislators and research on tax incentives; and (iii) a New Ventures Fund to assist the Alliance in responding to new needs in the historic preservation effort and provide working capital to the Alliance. A fact sheet and additional information about the Irreplaceable Assets Capital Campaign may be found on the Alliance's website, www.nhpreservation.org.

The Preservation Alliance is the non-profit membership organization committed to preserving historic buildings, communities and landscapes through education and advocacy. The organization celebrated its 20^th anniversary year in 2005 with new easement partnerships, a major grant for expanded field service, record-breaking participation at its events, and protection of Franklin's Daniel Webster Farm.