Our members pay an annual fee and receive various benefits in return.
Although this is a quid pro quo-type of relationship, many people of lesser
means view this as their philanthropic contribution, and in a sense, it is.
In reality, most memberships cost the organization about $30 (considering
the cost of any publications, mailings, etc.) and the average membership
rate is $50. The majority of the membership gift is tax-deductible as well.
    Once a healthy relaionship is established with a member, often they will
become donors- whether it be through acquisitions, annual giving,
sponsorship or endowment (to name a few options). Our members receive an
annual gift appeal, as well, which asks for an additional gift to the
general fund. Although the return is much smaller, many members take part in
this appeal and do not receive any benefits in return.
    I would be happy to discuss this further, if needed, on or off list.
Good luck, Wendy.
~Allison Ruppert

Allison M. Ruppert
Membership Coordinator
Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4200
Telephone: (412) 454-6321
Facsimile: (412) 454-6031
[log in to unmask]
www.pghhistory.org



>From: "Wiener, Wendy" <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Why we need members?
>Date: Thu, 25 Jul 2002 15:30:38 -0400
>
>In an effort to help clarify terms in our development department of our
>parent organization, how do you define "members" to your museum?  Why are
>they important to your museum?  Has anyone recently started or stopped a
>membership program, and why?  And, how and why do you distinguish donors
>from members?  Any insight would be appreciated.
>
>Wendy Wiener
>Curatorial Assistant
>The Octagon
>1799 New York Avenue, NW
>Washington, DC 20006-5291
>(202) 626-7369
>(202) 879-7764 fax
>www.theoctagon.org
>
>=========================================================
>Important Subscriber Information:
>
>The Museum-L FAQ file is located at
>http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed
>information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail
>message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should
>read "help" (without the quotes).
>
>If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to
>[log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff
>Museum-L" (without the quotes).




_________________________________________________________________
MSN Photos is the easiest way to share and print your photos:
http://photos.msn.com/support/worldwide.aspx

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).