PRESS CONTACT:
Luke Perkins, Manager of Communications and Public Relations
303.866.3670 | luke.perkins@state.co.us 

“Marcie is the right person to lead the State Historical fund as we look to engage more deeply and authentically with communities who have been historically underserved by traditional historic preservation efforts,” said Dawn DiPrince, executive director of History Colorado and state historic preservation officer. “Marcie brings a love of Colorado, a deep knowledge of accessible philanthropic practices, a passion for the power of preservation, and a proven history of work that strengthens communities." 

A lifelong resident of Colorado, Gantz has a Masters of Nonprofit Management from Regis University, and two B.A. degrees in Dance and Business Administration from Stephens College. Gantz also brings more than 15 years of managerial experience as well as a wealth of knowledge in grant-making and funding oversight. 

Some highlights of her professional experience include: 

• Being a current member on Historic Denver’s Board of Directors and the Steering Committee for the Colorado Funders for Inclusiveness and Equity
• Serving, most recently as the Grants and Accessibility Manager of Colorado Creative Industries, where she played a key role in the distribution and reporting of statewide grantmaking during her tenure at the agency
• Founding Nia Philanthropy, a social investment and  data insights practice that helps social entrepreneurs, purpose-driven ventures, and impact investors make a difference, utilizing a gender and equity lens and technology
• Strategically overseeing and implementing the Gill Foundation’s Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado as Deputy Director of the fund from 2006-2008
• Stewarding a special tax district and innovative public funding mechanism for arts, scientific and cultural entities as the Deputy District Administrator for the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District from 2000-2005

Gantz intends to hit the ground running at the State Historical Fund to build on her previous place-based grantmaking work that centered accessibility, transparency, and equity with the added benefit of now being able to promote the preservation of Colorado's rich history and diverse cultural heritage for future generations. 

“I believe that all communities deserve the opportunity to preserve their cultural heritage and that the stories of all people, regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status, are critical to understanding our collective history,” Gantz said. “I am excited to join a team that is dedicated to advancing these important values and looks forward to working together to create a more inclusive and just future for all Coloradans.”

Gantz's passion and experience in promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion aligns well with the goals of the State Historical Fund to address historical inequities, empower communities to tell their stories, create new economic opportunities, and innovatively solve broader community challenges through historic preservation projects.

“Preserving historic buildings and landmarks can provide a sense of identity and pride for residents, creating a stronger sense of community and social cohesion,” Gantz said. “By combining preservation efforts with community development initiatives, we can build a more prosperous and vibrant future for all.”

Additional information about the State Historical Fund, as well as lists of projects funded since its inception in 1990, and application materials can all be found here.

About History Colorado
History Colorado is a division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education and a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served more than 75,000 students and 500,000 people in Colorado each year. It is a 143-year-old institution that operates eleven museums and historic sites, a free public research center, the Office of Archaeology and Historic Preservation which provides technical assistance, educational opportunities, and other access to archaeology and historic preservation, and the History Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), which is one of the nation’s largest state funded preservation programs of its kind. More than 70% of SHF grants are allocated in rural areas of the state. Additionally, the offices of the State Archaeologist and the State Historic Preservation Officer are part of History Colorado. 

History Colorado’s mission is to create a better future for Colorado by inspiring wonder in our past. We serve as the state’s memory, preserving and sharing the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through educational programs, historic preservation grants, collecting, outreach to Colorado communities, the History Colorado Center and Stephen H. Hart Research Center in Denver, and 10 other museums and historic attractions statewide. History Colorado is one of only six Smithsonian Affiliates in Colorado. Visit HistoryColorado.org, or call 303-HISTORY, for more information. #HistoryColorado