From someone who spends every day in the dealing with grants and
contracts I would just like to add that not only is it an excellent idea to
seek collaborations with such groups, but it also makes for a much
stronger proposal.  Proposals that address the real needs of the
community are much more likely to get funded.  Just something to think
about when trying to figure out ways to support your museums outreach
ideas.

Laura Mahoney
Office of Sponsored Projects
Smithsonian Institution
[log in to unmask]

>>> Farar P. Elliott <[log in to unmask]> 03/07/97 11:04am >>>
As I have worked in the social services I have seen how much easier it
is to collaborate on projects (read: funding) that addresses the needs of
poor people and people of color when I am in regular contact looking for
grants with these same people.  So, might I suggest to museums that
want to be part of the life of the communities they are surrounded by, try
looking for funding as if you were as important to the well-being of that
community as another police officer or an emergency foodbank or a rape
crisis center.  Because, of course, you are.  Once you begin to
collaborate with the children's program at the domestic violence shelter
and come to meetings on welfare reform and helped, you may find you
have learned more about the different communities you serve than you
thought.

Farar Elliott
Director
Women's Rape Crisis Center
Burlington, VT [log in to unmask]