2025 ANNUAL APPEAL
Shaping preservation for our future
Together we can make a difference. Every historic place tells a story, and each one we lose reminds us of the importance of preserving our shared heritage. The recent loss of the east wing of the White House, despite its historic significance, shows how fragile our heritage can be without strong advocacy. In our 2025 Annual Appeal, discover the initiatives and issues we’re tackling, and why preservation is about more than buildings. It’s about community, identity, and the stories we share. Your past support, whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, has been invaluable. By helping us build a culture of giving, you ensure we have the resources to stand up for Portland’s heritage and defend the places that shape our shared identity.
2025 Annual Appeal Letter
Dear friends,
This has been a transformative year for Greater Portland Landmarks (GPL). We’ve built connections, completed a bold strategic plan, advocated for significant places and policies, and strengthened organizational capacity. This October, we brought the community together to award local preservation efforts and celebrate GPL’s 60th anniversary. What we experienced exceeded all expectations, and we are truly humbled.
I am proud to share how our supporters’ donations made a difference this year, allowing GPL to:
Build a motivated team of professional staff to increase organizational capacity, further our mission, and strengthen connections in the community
Expand outreach through The Observer, social media, and direct engagement
Lead critical advocacy efforts to uphold preservation policy and strengthen rehabilitation tax credits supporting adaptive reuse
Gain positive momentum and deepen engagement honoring local preservation successes and celebrating 60 years of GPL’s legacy
Complete a five-year strategic plan to guide our future work, broaden our impact and constituency, and ensure preservation inspires every generation (see enclosed brochure to learn more)
Now, through our new strategic plan and with your partnership, GPL is committing to a powerful vision that guides our work to preserve Portland’s character, address contemporary issues including affordable housing and climate change, and increase the understanding and visibility of the City’s layered history. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on your donations to support our daily operations, programs, and ongoing work.
Your contribution is pivotal as we reach higher than ever with this year’s Annual Appeal goal of $100,000.
Major initiatives planned for the coming year will expand public programming and launch a Past to Future Campaign to connect more people with Portland’s history and the benefits of preservation. The Past to Future Campaign is a community-driven effort to explore what preservation means today and build consensus around how protecting sense of place can shape Portland’s future. Through workshops, neighborhood meetings, and educational materials, we will engage communities and learn what connects them to Portland’s history, culture, and sense of belonging. We will integrate those insights with our programs, advocacy, and long-lasting partnerships.
This engagement is crucial because preservation isn’t just about saving buildings; it’s about ensuring that Portland’s growth reflects the needs and stories of the people who call it home.
With your commitment and continued support, with the strong leadership and expertise of our Board and staff, and a clear vision ahead, we are ready to move forward at full speed. We need your help to raise the funds necessary to fuel our programs and bring our Past to Future Campaign to life. This is our shared moment to define the next chapter of preservation for the benefit of our city.
With profound appreciation, we ask invite you to help us reach our $100,000 goal. Even a modest gift of $25 will ensure that Portland’s story is protected and celebrated for generations to come.
Thank you for considering supporting this work.
Sincerely,
