Barn Believers Project Fund

Written By Dena Koehn

America’s Barns are Worth Saving

The Barn Believers Project Fund was created (2017) because valuable heritage barns -- timber-frame, log, and stone - are being lost. Priceless documents and photos that record the stories of these architectural treasures are being discarded or never compiled. The time to save them and their history is NOW! There may not be a second chance.

Barn Believers:

  • awards grants only to 501c3 nonprofits, not to private owners.

  • shares accurate information for decision-making.

  • does not favor contractors, companies or products.

  • makes grants only within the state of Michigan.

Applicants can seek support up to $5,000 to assist with or carry out a wide range of projects. All activities must relate to heritage barns. Ideas include evaluating a barn to assess its needs, making repairs, preserving barn/farm collections, convening meetings to shape barn-friendly policies, creating displays, archiving materials, researching local barn/farm history, hosting barn-related events, and much more.

To learn more & request a free copy of Saving Heritage Barns, visit http://www.barnbelievers.org

Dena Koehn

Dena Koehn grew up in Rose City, a rural town in mid-Michigan, and moved to southern Michigan to attend Adrian College. She graduated in 2005 with a BFA in Studio Art and a BA in English. After school, she worked in marketing and sales. In 2016 Dena started teaching woodworking classes with Luke in a garage, which eventually became the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute. She has served many roles at the SBWI, including Outreach Coordinator, Shaker Box Instructor, Secretary, Treasurer, Board Member, Bookkeeper, and now Director of Operations. She is also the Event Coordinator and Social Media Director of the Great Lakes Woodworking Festival, an annual event which brings together the best woodworkers from the Great Lakes region.

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