TIMELINE OF THE MISSION
A TIMELINE OF BENCHMARKS TO GROW THE ORGANIZATION AND ACHIEVE THE MISSION
FIRST SIX MONTHS
Solicit interest and volunteer help from friends and community members invested in honoring the legacy of our Veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice
Recruit and establish Founding Board of Directors; after first year of founding board* begin recruiting professionals from community for next board with 3 year terms
Finalize Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
Complete and Submit Form 1023 for 501 (c) (3) status
Begin next phase of plan to recruit second iteration of Board of Directors with unique experience and expertise in carrying out public projects (at least a third of the Board will be Veterans)
CHARTING ORGANIZATIONAL PATH
Hold first Board Meeting
Establish organizational roles and determine need for funding full or part-time positions within the organization related to outreach, fundraising, accounting, legal compliance, consulting, operations, etc.
Determine fundraising components and resource allocation related to costs associated with attorneys fees, drafting, architecture, engineering, project management, and construction (review to be aided by industry consultant)
Finalize approval of construction plan
Approve “close-out” process of non-profit with conclusion of construction
ENGAGE COMMUNITY AND FUNDRAISE
Develop outreach strategies to include community events, engaging with media (TV, Podcasts, Web Advertising, News agencies, Radio, etc.)
Launch public outreach campaign
Determine initial targeted big donors to establish momentum and project viability
Reach out to donors, establish fundraising events (attempts may be iterative if needed with emphasis on growing the size of the donor base and the size of the donation)
Cultivate local government buy-in and solicit commitment to match and exceed over 51 percent of target costs
BEGINNING CONSTRUCTION
Construction bid has been selected
Artists and architects have been commissioned
Site has been selected, approved and prepared for construction
Ground Breaking Ceremony
Construction begins and is completed
Ceremony of dedication, recognition of volunteers, donors, community members/stakeholders, Veterans and Veteran families, Tribute to the Fallen, and Recognition of the Heritage and Mission of the Fighting Forces defending the United States of America
Passing of Heritage Site to the Community