Just wondering generally if a non-profit status precludes the Board of
Directors of a museum from increasing the salaries of key personnel if
revenue targets are met?

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Jill M D
Sent: March 20, 2003 12:38 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Policies


Betty,
If your institution is a private nonprofit corporation it would be illegal,
according to state law, to use your resources for any purpose other than the
furthering of your mission. Sure, board members, staff member, and the
general public may secretly (or not so secretly) use resources for their own
purpose, but it sets a bad precedent and your museum can be charged with
placing personal interest over the interest of the institution. There are a
few books by Malaro (sorry, don't remember the first name) about museum law
and ethics. It discusses a nonprofit's obligations to serve the public
through the mission, and that no one should personally gain from the unique
situation a nonprofit holds in society. All benefits a nonprofit holds by
being able to qualify for grants monies and not having to pay income tax
make it a recipient of government monies, therefore, it would be illegal to
use these monies or resources to personally benefit any one individual.

I hope this makes sense and works. Once a few people are let in to utilize
the computer, it is difficult to then implement a policy. Hopefully the
above information gives you enough information to educate the community on
the ways your organization can legally serve the public. Good luck!

Jill

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