$3 million in Lowe's funding helping to preserve schools in 19 states
Published 08-24-10
Submitted by Lowe's Companies, Inc.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation and Lowe's today announced the expansion of their efforts to preserve historic schools across the country. Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awarded nearly $500,000 in grants through the National Trust to aid the rehabilitation of 10 schools. This latest round of grants brings the partners' support for historic schools and their communities to 19 states, from Alaska to South Carolina, and brings the contributions of Lowe’s Foundation to $3 million in just three years.
As school districts across the nation close and consolidate their schools because of budget cuts, the National Trust and Lowe's are helping communities breathe new life into former schools. Ranging from the school in which Dr. Martin Luther King first delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech to a school that was part of a national effort to help Native Americans protect and preserve their unique cultures, these historic properties represent a critical link to our nation's multifaceted collective history. The rehabilitated schools will continue to serve central roles in their communities, including a cultural and educational center for senior citizens and a shelter and support center for victims of domestic violence.
While earlier support from Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation focused on restoring Rosenwald Schools, a program that greatly improved the quality of public education for African-Americans in the early 20th Century rural South, Lowe's and the National Trust have taken their support nationwide to make a difference in as many communities as possible. The joint initiative has now funded the rehabilitation of more than 50 historic schools.
"Historic schools have played a critical role in our nation's past and, as these projects show, remain cornerstones of their communities even when they no longer serve as schools," said David J. Brown, executive vice president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. "By expanding our commitment to rehabilitating historic schools nationwide, the National Trust and Lowe's hope to help revitalize communities, create jobs and preserve an important part of America’s story."
Since 2006, Lowe's Foundation has donated $5 million to the National Trust for Historic Preservation to preserve significant historic properties across the country. The 10 historic schools in this latest round of grants are expected to complete their Lowe's-funded restorations in 2011.
"The preservation efforts of the National Trust and Lowe's will help ensure that these schools long serve as vital community resources," said Larry D. Stone, chairman of the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation. "By supporting rehabilitation of these significant landmarks, Lowe's is helping protect and enhance places that continue to enrich lives while preserving a piece of history for future generations."
For images of any of the schools, please contact: caroline_barker@nthp.org
Grant recipients:
For more information on Lowe's and the National Trust's efforts to restore historic schools, please visit: http://www.preservationnation.org/about-us/partners/corporate-partners/lowes/2010-Grants.html.
For more information on the National Trust's efforts to retain community-centered schools, please visit: http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/historic-schools/
ABOUT LOWE'S
Lowe's is a proud supporter of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, SkillsUSA/Skills Canada and The Nature Conservancy, in addition to numerous nonprofit organizations and programs that help communities in North America. In 2009, Lowe's and the Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $30 million to support community and education projects in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative. Lowe's is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2009 sales of $47.2 billion and has more than 1,700 stores in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a non-profit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them. By saving the places where great moments from history - and the important moments of everyday life - took place, the National Trust for Historic Preservation helps revitalize neighborhoods and communities, spark economic development and promote environmental sustainability. With headquarters in Washington, DC, eight regional and field offices, 29 historic sites, and partner organizations in 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia, the National Trust for Historic Preservation provides leadership, education, advocacy and resources to a national network of people, organizations and local communities committed to saving places, connecting us to our history and collectively shaping the future of America's stories.
Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation awards more than $3 million annually to diverse organizations across the United States. Lowe's also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe's Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer program aimed at preventing unintentional home injuries. Lowe's, a FORTUNE(R) 50 company with fiscal year 2003 sales of $30.8 billion, has more than 1,050 stores in 46 states.
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