After pulling together a small group of interested residents, the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation was formed in Maine as a non-profit, and recently received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. Currently the Foundation is developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Town of Camden and is working on a five-phase Master Plan. The timing of the five overlapping phases will depend upon how quickly funding is acquired and restoration work completed, approximately 3-5 years.
Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation - Year 1: Form the Curtis Island Lighthouse Foundation (completed); register with the State of Maine as a non-profit (completed); apply for, and receive 501(c)(3) IRS status (completed); develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Town of Camden (in process); raise initial start-up funds to create a detailed Master Plan for the Foundation which includes both a Fund Development Plan and a Historic Preservation Plan (in process).
Master Plans - Years 1-2: Complete the Historic Preservation Plan; Complete the Fund Development Strategy and Plan; Design access to the island for contractors (short term) and for public access (long term).
Fund Raising for Restoration - Years 2-5: Begin formal fundraising through corporate gifts, individual donations, grants, and annual Town of Camden contributions.
Historic Preservation and Restoration - Years 2-5: Implement the Historic Preservation Plan for all four existing structures beginning with the Lightkeepers House; design and construct the original boat house, place the original 4th Order Fresnel Lens in the Light Tower (the original lens is currently located on display in the Town Office); recover the original Curtis Island 1000 pound fog bell from its Deer Isle location and place it in its original location near the Light Tower.
Perpetual Maintenance Trust Fund Endowment – Beginning in year 2: Create an endowment with a goal of $1,000,000 to provide ongoing maintenance and upkeep. The endowment will be funded equally by the Foundation and the Town.