The Nine Sections
1. Mission & Values
The "why". What are you preserving? Why does it matter? The mission must be defensible in court and inspiring to donors.
2. What You Preserve (Scope)
The "what". Specific definition of the collection scope. Prevents scope creep.
3. Technical Infrastructure
The "how". Storage, access systems, and preservation methods ensuring technical resilience.
4. Governance
The "who decides". Leadership structure, board composition, and succession planning to survive the Heroic Founder.
5. Funding Model
The "how to pay". Diversified revenue streams (grants, donations, earned revenue) to avoid financial fragility.
6. Staffing
The "who does the work". Roles, responsibilities, and volunteer management.
7. Community & Partnerships
The "who cares". Engaging stakeholders, users, and institutional allies.
8. Risk Management
The "what if". Specific mitigation for financial, technical, legal, and organizational threats.
9. Three Pillars Check
Does the organization embody Declaration, Connection, and Ground?
Field Notes
Design for Decades: "Plan for crisis. Build to outlast yourself." The Canvas forces you to think beyond the initial launch excitement to the boring, vital work of maintenance.