Julia - Congratulations!  We had a similar experience with our
feasibility study - my caution about a predetermined assessment - there
were those who wanted the study to show that a campaign would fail and
who never thought we could raise the $42.5 million.  However, we did.
We believed in the project as did a lot of our supporters.  In fact, we
received the largest single gift ever given to OU by a factor of 3 ($10
M up to 1997).  The study had its uses.  As an example, it did show that
90% of the OU alumni that were surveyed did know about the museum and
80% of them were willing to donate.  This became a powerful
statement.

Working harder for what you wanted is also a key!

By the way, did you develop a business plan for your campaign?  I posted
this request several days ago:

"I am searching for any business or corporate plans that have been
developed for museums.  The OMNH at OU has developed one and we are
willing to share information.  Thank you.  Please contact."

Thanks
--
Peter B. Tirrell, Associate Director
Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
University of Oklahoma
1335 Asp Avenue
Norman, Oklahoma   73019
[log in to unmask]
phone:  (405) 325-1009
fax:  (405) 325-7699
President, Association of College and University Museums
                        and Galleries(ACUMG)  www.omnh.ou.edu/acumg/

--
Peter B. Tirrell, Associate Director
Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
University of Oklahoma
1335 Asp Avenue
Norman, Oklahoma   73019
[log in to unmask]
phone:  (405) 325-1009
fax:  (405) 325-7699
President, Association of College and University Museums
                        and Galleries(ACUMG)  www.omnh.ou.edu/acumg/