Monona landmarks commission discusses May walking tour and fundraising options; limited funds available

Monona Landmarks Commission members on Feb. 18 agreed to continue planning a walking tour for Historic Preservation Month and discussed how to handle ticket sales and donations.

Commissioners reviewed available funds and fundraising approaches. A staff member reported the landmarks commission has about $200 in its general landmarks fund for supplies, $664 in another general landmarks account that covers training and memberships, and $1,508 in a books fund that reflects proceeds from book sales. The meeting record shows the commission will confirm with city accounting how the book-sale balance can be used or whether it must be returned to the general fund.

Commissioners discussed partnering with an outside nonprofit to accept donations so donors can receive tax benefits and the group can control earmarked funds. As the meeting packet noted, the Wisconsin Humanities and other grantmakers were suggested for potential grant funding for marker projects; however, commissioners were told some grant programs are paused. Commissioners agreed the walking tour could be ticketed and that proceeds could either be paid directly to the city or routed through a friends group or nonprofit to manage donor restrictions.

The commission also discussed logistics: an event before the walking tour at a local office to host a reception, potential Memorial Day weekend timing, and printing costs that would come from the commission’s supplies budget. Members asked staff to query city finance staff about the books fund accounting and to explore partnering with local nonprofits for fundraising.

No formal vote was taken on a fundraising structure; staff will report back with clarified accounting guidance and possible nonprofit partners.