Restore Oregon
Restore Oregon is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1977 and the only organization in Oregon dedicated statewide to historic preservation and reuse, serving property owners, rural communities, activists, and preservation professionals through advocacy, education, technical assistance, and the DeMuro Awards program.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1977
- HeadquartersPortland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Restore Oregon does
Restore Oregon is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1977 (originally as the Historic Preservation League of Oregon) and headquartered in Portland, Oregon. It is the only statewide nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation and reuse in Oregon, representing thousands of homeowners, community activists, preservation-minded businesses, and supporters across urban and rural communities. The organization delivers value through four core pillars: saving places (Oregon's Most Endangered Places Program, the Albina Preservation Initiative, Heritage Barns, Historic Conservation Easements), celebrating preservation (the annual DeMuro Awards), educating the public (FieldNotes Magazine, the Preservation Toolkit, Architect Spotlight tours, Modernism Lectures, Pacific Northwest Preservation Field School), and advocating for preservation policy (including the successful passage of HB 3190 in 2025 reinstating the Special Assessment for Historic Properties Program).
Restore Oregon does not develop proprietary technology products. Its operational stack consists of commodity third-party services (Google Analytics, iATS Payments for donation processing) and a standard content website. The organization's core service offerings are programmatic rather than productized: the Oregon's Most Endangered Places Program (since 2011) provides free technical assistance, the Business Member Directory connects property owners with qualified preservation professionals, and the Modernist Society offers capped-membership (100 slots) premium engagement. Notable quantified outcomes include a $1.5 million City of Portland investment for the Thompson Elk Fountain restoration, $615,000+ in grants to eight rural theaters in 2020, and the 2023 DeMuro Award for the Hollywood Theatre Lower Facade project.
Restore Oregon's revenue model is a diversified nonprofit funding stack with no single dominant stream: individual memberships (annual subscriptions), individual donations (tax-deductible), corporate sponsorships at Cornerstone/Buttress/Foundation tiers, event ticket revenue ($30 Modernism Lectures, $100 Architect Spotlight tours), merchandise (including the annual Pets 'n Preservation calendar), and grants from foundations and government programs (including Oregon Heritage and Oregon Main Street). Pricing is unit-based and low-ticket, consistent with a long-tail member/donor model. The organization is led by Executive Director Nicole Possert and Board President Larissa Rudnicki (2026), with a recently hired Director of Development (Keith Lohse, August 2025) signaling fundraising capacity investment.
Restore Oregon firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Restore Oregon
- Legal name
- Restore Oregon
- Website
- https://restoreoregon.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1977
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Restore Oregon is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1977 and the only organization in Oregon dedicated statewide to historic preservation and reuse, serving property owners, rural communities, activists, and preservation professionals through advocacy, education, technical assistance, and the DeMuro Awards program.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Restore Oregon industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Historic Preservation Services
- NAICS
- Historical Sites (71212)
- SIC
- Services-Facilities Support Management Services (8744)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Historic Home Renovation & Preservation (HSAPAEAG)
Keywords
Where Restore Oregon is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Restore Oregon business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership dues: Annual membership program offering benefits to supporters. Easy, affordable, and tax-deductible.
- Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting historic preservation work statewide.
- Corporate sponsorships: Annual sponsorship program with Cornerstone, Buttress, and Foundation levels. Includes marketing and networking opportunities plus business membership benefits.
- Event tickets and programs: Revenue from events including Architect Spotlight tours ($100), Modernism Lectures ($30), Modernist Society memberships, and the annual DeMuro Awards celebration.
- Merchandise sales: Sale of Restore Oregon merchandise including the annual Pets 'n Preservation calendar.
- Grants: Grant funding from foundations and government programs supporting preservation projects and technical assistance.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Modernist Society Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Sustaining Member |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 2026 Modernism Lecture tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | 2026 Architect Spotlight tickets |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Pets 'n Preservation Calendar |
| Subscription | Annual | Annual Sponsorships |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels10 records
Restore Oregon product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Restore Oregon is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers historic preservation services through education, advocacy, technical assistance, and recognition programs. It operates Oregon's Most Endangered Places Program, the DeMuro Awards, the Modernism Program, and the Preservation Toolkit, while publishing FieldNotes Magazine and connecting property owners with qualified preservation professionals through a Business Member Directory.
Product overview
Restore Oregon is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1977 that operates programs focused on saving, celebrating, educating, and advocating for historic places. The organization offers the Preservation Toolkit as its core educational resource, manages the Oregon's Most Endangered Places Program for technical assistance, runs the DeMuro Awards for recognition, delivers the Modernism Program including events and the Modernist Society, publishes FieldNotes Magazine and the Oregon Made book, provides a Business Member Directory, and offers Rural Oregon resources. The organization does not offer a software product but rather delivers services through programs, events, publications, and direct technical assistance.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Preservation Toolkit A comprehensive guide to the process and decisions needed when approaching restoration and reuse of historic buildings, oriented toward small-to-medium commercial properties but applicable to homes, barns, and other structures. Includes chapters on orientation, condition assessment, rehabilitation planning, funding sources, maintenance, working with professionals, and community organizing.
- Oregon's Most Endangered Places Program A program that shares technical expertise and network resources with preservation efforts around the state. Since 2011, this program has anchored free technical assistance services and advocacy work for threatened historic resources.
- DeMuro Awards Annual awards recognizing excellence in historic preservation, skilled craftsmanship, and Oregon heritage. The awards highlight outstanding preservation projects across Oregon.
- Modernism Program A year-long preservation program dedicated to raising awareness of Pacific Northwest modernism and Oregon's historic modern architecture. Includes the Architect Spotlight series, Modernism Lecture series, and Modernist Society membership.
- FieldNotes Magazine Monthly eNewsletter and magazine covering preservation news in Oregon, delivered to subscribers' inboxes.
- Business Member Directory A directory connecting property owners with service providers including architects, contractors, and craftspeople who understand historic buildings.
- Rural Oregon Historic Preservation Resources Resources and programs specifically designed to address preservation challenges in rural Oregon communities.
- Pacific Northwest Preservation Field School Hands-on preservation training program associated with the University of Oregon Historic Preservation Program. Offers field-based education in preservation techniques.
Quantifiable outcome
- Restored Hollywood Theatre Lower Facade project with $294,273 budget, awarded DeMuro Award 2023
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Restore Oregon
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Restore Oregon technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Restore Oregon partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- City of Portland (Water Bureau)coreProvided $1.5 million to return the Elk Fountain to its original location. Under lead of the Water Bureau, contracted construction while Regional Arts & Culture Council cared for the bronze elk statue.
- Portland Parks FoundationcoreNonprofit champion for the Thompson Elk Fountain restoration project. Held the project together and raised funds for critical study and planning phases. Coordinated with the City and other partners to return the historic fountain to Portland.
- Architectural Resources GroupcoreHistoric preservation firm hired to complete full contract drawings for the design and engineering of the Elk Fountain restoration project. Solved for seismic upgrade, water-saving recirculating pump, and graffiti-resistant coating.
- Regional Arts & Culture CouncilcoreCared for cleaning and returning the bronze elk statue during the restoration project.
- National Trust for Historic PreservationcoreThrough its America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places program, brought national attention to the Oregon Caves Chateau preservation needs.
- Oregon State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)corePartnered with Restore Oregon to bring unprecedented $615,000+ in grant funding to eight rural historic theaters in 2020.
- Oregon Parks and Recreation DepartmentcoreThrough Oregon Main Street Network and State Historic Preservation Office, provided grant funding for rural theater preservation.
- Oregon HeritagecoreCollaborated on grants for rural historic theaters as part of the Most Endangered Places program.
- Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO)majorPartnered on legislative agenda including HB 3190 to bring back Special Assessment for Historic Properties Program.
- National Parks Conservation AssociationcorePartner in advocacy for Oregon Caves Chateau preservation.
- Friends of the Oregon Caves & ChateaucoreLocal advocacy group working to save the Oregon Caves Chateau.
- Oregon Black PioneersmajorCo-hosted the 'Expanding the Black Preservation Movement in Oregon' symposium in September 2024.
- Moreland Resource ConsultingmajorCo-hosted the symposium on expanding Black preservation movement in Oregon.
- University of Oregon Historic Preservation ProgramcoreRestore Oregon supports the UO HP program which has relocated back to Eugene. The Pacific Northwest Preservation Field School continues to offer hands-on training.
- Elk Rock Garden FoundationmajorHost for the 2025 Pacific Northwest Preservation Field School's 30th anniversary program at the 10-acre historic estate in Portland.
- The Stoller GroupminorCornerstone-level annual sponsor supporting Restore Oregon's work.
- ArciformminorButtress-level annual sponsor and event co-sponsor for Women in Preservation events.
- Modern Homes CollectiveminorButtress-level annual sponsor supporting Restore Oregon.
- Bramske Studio ArchitectureminorFoundation-level annual sponsor; bar sponsor for Spirit Soirée event.
- Bend River Window & Door CompanyminorButtress-level annual sponsor.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Restore Oregon competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Preservation North Carolina: Statewide nonprofit dedicated to protecting North Carolina's historic places via advocacy, education, awards, and direct preservation services—operating with a similar member-, grant-, and event-driven funding model to Restore Oregon.
- Preservation League of New York State: Statewide preservation nonprofit advocating for New York's historic places through grants, technical assistance, advocacy, and an endangered places program—closely mirroring Restore Oregon's program architecture.
- Preservation Virginia: A statewide private nonprofit dedicated to historic preservation in Virginia, founded in 1889. Operates a similar mix of advocacy, endangered places programs, awards, and direct stewardship of historic sites—making it one of the closest structural analogs to Restore Oregon.
- Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia: Regional preservation advocacy and education nonprofit serving the Greater Philadelphia area, providing advocacy, technical assistance, and educational events similar to those delivered by Restore Oregon across Oregon.
- California Preservation Foundation: California's statewide preservation advocacy nonprofit offering education, awards, and resources. Directly comparable in mission and program mix to Restore Oregon, but operating at a larger state scale.
- Landmarks Illinois: Statewide preservation nonprofit in Illinois offering advocacy, grants, an endangered places program, and educational programming—structurally aligned with Restore Oregon's combination of advocacy, education, and technical assistance.
Broad incumbents
- National Trust for Historic Preservation: The largest U.S. preservation nonprofit operating nationally with advocacy, grant-making, and the America's Most Endangered Historic Places program—the same program that elevated Restore Oregon's Oregon Caves Chateau. Comparable in mission but broader in scope and resources.
Regional players
- Oregon Historical Society: Oregon's primary statewide history-focused nonprofit operating a museum, research library, and educational programs in Portland. Shares Restore Oregon's statewide Oregon geography and historic-preservation mission but emphasizes research and curation over advocacy.
Others
- Main Street America: National umbrella for downtown revitalization programs including Oregon Main Street, with which Restore Oregon partners on rural theater preservation. They overlap on rural historic preservation funding channels but differ in scope (commercial district revitalization vs. preservation advocacy).
- Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO): A coalition of Oregon cultural nonprofits that partnered with Restore Oregon on HB 3190 and other legislative agendas. Adjacent rather than competing—they collaborate on shared policy goals rather than offering competing services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Restore Oregon social profiles
Digital presenceRestore Oregon financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Restore Oregon leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Restore Oregon funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Restore Oregon M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Restore Oregon
What does Restore Oregon do?
Restore Oregon is a statewide 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that delivers historic preservation services through education, advocacy, technical assistance, and recognition programs. It operates Oregon's Most Endangered Places Program, the DeMuro Awards, the Modernism Program, and the Preservation Toolkit, while publishing FieldNotes Magazine and connecting property owners with qualified preservation professionals through a Business Member Directory.
Is Restore Oregon a public or private company?
Restore Oregon is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Restore Oregon founded?
Restore Oregon was founded in 1977. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Restore Oregon based?
Restore Oregon is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Restore Oregon make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Membership dues are the primary driver. The others are donations, corporate sponsorships, event tickets and programs, merchandise sales and grants.
Who are Restore Oregon's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Preservation North Carolina, Preservation League of New York State, Preservation Virginia, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia, California Preservation Foundation and Landmarks Illinois. National Trust for Historic Preservation is listed as a broad incumbent. Oregon Historical Society is listed as a regional player. Others are Main Street America and Cultural Advocacy Coalition of Oregon (CACO).
Does Restore Oregon have an API?
No public API is recorded for Restore Oregon.
What industry is Restore Oregon in?
Restore Oregon's product category is Historic Preservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSAPAEAG, Historic Home Renovation & Preservation. Its NAICS code is 71212 and its SIC code is 8744.