Andrew, 

Basically you need to create a separate organization - that's the point!  Who owns your site now?  Is it a governmental entity or private corporation? A tax-exempt organization (501c3) can seek and accept donations that might not be available to those types of operations.  There are plenty of examples on-line for basic bylaws etc to set up a non-profit, but people will be needed to run it, serve as officers, write the grants, do the work etc.  That non-profit will also need to become incorporated in your state, usually through the state attorney general's office.

Ella Aderman

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-----Original Message-----

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andrew Kirkland

Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2015 11:41 AM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Question on Friends Organizations



Hello,

I'm with a small museum that has just opened up in April.  Right now we are funded by the local Tourism Council but we would like to expand our funding sources to beyond that.  I know that other museums and libraries use a "friends of..." organization that basically acts as the fundraising arm.  What do I need to do to get one started, without having it as a separate entity?  I realize the question is vague, but I'm not even sure where to start to ask more specific questions.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.



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