>>Those on the line, how many of you are associated with "a museum" that is
>>not state, federal or government supported with paid salary?  benefits?
>>site or building,etc.?  How many are really totally non-profit and on
>>their own in the naked jungle of "where's my funding coming from next?"
>>
>We are an emerging children's museum that meets all those criteria!
>

We meet the "museum" criteria as set out by AAM and we are totally private
non-profit.  I think the answer to where the money comes from is EARNED
INCOME!  At MMC last fall a presenter said, "just because you're non-profit
doesn't mean you can't earn money," and that really hit a chord with me
because we are about 60% earned income and 40% contributed.  Museums CAN
charge for their services, but I think where the fine line comes is at
admission:  if the museum is supported by tax dollars for a good part of its
general operating income, it seems like double-dipping to charge the public
to come in the door.

I'd like to see a discussion going on this list of what museum
services/programs people charge for and what it means for the income of the
institution.  My personal belief is that earned income is not a dirty word
(or phrase) and that non-governmental museums are in general too shy about
charging for the valuable educational services they provide.


Julia Moore
Indianapolis Art Center