Sigh.  Your situation probably applies to at least half of all museums.

There are sometimes situations that *do* call for the creation of a 
supporting 501(c)(3) whose fundraising is then directed solely to the 
museum.  But lack of financial support from the fiduciary body is not 
one of them.  And of course this suggestion comes from the board:  
"Don't solicit me.  Solicit that other guy standing over there!"

Do your board members have term limits?  Even if it is some crazy long 
limit, it is best practice to have term limits.  And at 25 members, your 
board is getting a bit large.  Could be a good time for some housecleaning.
Has any formal attempt been made to educate the board about their 
duties?  Is there a board handbook?  Have you done a training seminar 
with them with an outside facilitator?
If the problem is one of capacity rather than inclination (i.e., they 
truly can't afford to make a major gift so they opt to make no gift at 
all), some education around the importance of participation (even at the 
$100 level) and its role in leveraging other funding is crucial.
The agent for change is your board chair.  If he or she is not up the 
task, it is worth strategizing how to remedy this situation (short of 
creating a supporting organization.)  If he or she just needs additional 
support and knowledge, Board Source (http://www.boardsource.org/) is a 
good start.

Good luck!
Susan Ruderman
Fundraising Consultant

On 3/13/2013 2:28 PM, Jessica Baldwin wrote:
> Oh Wise Listers-
>
> Quick board scenario for your review.
>
> A long standing museum has a board of 25.  Less than half of those members are active financial contributors, only 3 of which give $5,000 or less annually.  There is no suggested or required board contributions.  The board understands that growing the endowment is ideal for financial security.  The board proposes a solution to the internal lack of contributions - create a sub-organization with its own board that financially contributes to the museum, it's buildings, and other programs run by the main board.
>
> Question: Does anyone have any experience with this type of solution?
>
> Thank you!
> Jessica
>
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-- 
Susan C. Ruderman, Ed.M.
[log in to unmask]
Boston, MA area

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