Global Heritage Fund

The Global Heritage Fund is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 in California, dedicated to preserving cultural heritage sites worldwide. Its mission is to transform local communities by investing in global heritage, fostering sustainable development and community empowerment.

Purpose and Scope

Global Heritage Fund operates internationally, focusing on the protection and preservation of cultural heritage sites, particularly in developing countries. The organization's approach involves collaborative projects that aim to adapt cultural heritage to address contemporary needs, connect communities, build resilience, and foster innovation and sustainability.

Projects and Partnerships

As of its establishment, Global Heritage Fund has partnered with over 100 public and private entities across 28 sites in 19 countries. Projects are selected based on factors such as cultural significance, regional needs, and potential for sustainable preservation through community involvement. Some notable projects include:

• Amer Fort, India
• Amtoudi, Morocco
• Ayios Vasileios, Greece
• Banteay Chhmar, Cambodia
• Çatalhöyük, Turkey
• Chavín de Huántar, Peru (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• La Ciudad Perdida, Colombia
• Cyrene, Libya (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Göbekli Tepe, Turkey (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Hampi, India (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Lijiang, China (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Maijishan, China
• Mirador, Guatemala
• My Son, Vietnam (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Patan Durbar, Nepal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Pingyao, China (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Wat Phu, Laos (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The organization also collaborates with various stakeholders, including local community boards, NGOs, private sector companies, and governmental bodies.

Financials and Governance

Global Heritage Fund is classified as a 501(c)(3) organization, making donations tax-deductible. The organization's primary source of revenue is from contributions, with some income from program services. It has a significant presence in the UK and Asia through registered entities that work towards the same mission. The executive leadership includes Nada Hosking as the Executive Director.

Strategic Affiliations

In 2023, Global Heritage Fund announced a strategic affiliation with the World Monuments Fund, enhancing its capacity to protect cultural heritage globally. This partnership integrated some of Global Heritage Fund's projects into the World Monuments Fund's portfolio.

Impact and Challenges

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Global Heritage Fund faced challenges in engaging donors due to travel restrictions. The organization adapted by focusing on visual storytelling and digital content strategies to showcase its work and maintain donor engagement. This shift led to increased website visits and improved collaboration across its global sites.