Although I started this discussion, the question may be address at the whole list, so participate if you can :))

As I said previously, our museum (system) is a city agency which cannot have membership, so our Friends do that for us.  My previous employer was a state agency with the same situation.  Our Friends are a private non-profit with 501(c)3 status under the US tax laws, allowing them to accept donations which are tax exempt, etc.  Our "Friends" can by-pass purchasing requirements (bidding, etc.) which the museum as a government entity cannot, making sole-sourcing to a particular artist or crafts-person simpler.

I imagine that there are many, many different structures for "Friends" organizations.



Chris Dill, Superintendent
City of Greeley Museums
919 7th Street
Greeley  CO  80631
T:  (970)350-9217
F:  (970)350-9570
E: [log in to unmask]
www.greeleymuseums.com

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