I agree wholeheartedly with Pamela regarding gaining fundraising experience. In my diversion from the museum world, I worked at a corporate director of public relations, and my duties included administering the charitable giving for my company. It was an experience that gave me tremendous insight into the other side of the funding $ - what will I GIVE money to?? Spending other people's money was fun, but came with an incredible responsibility that I did not take lightly. I now look at all my grant proposals from the funder's prospective after they are done and ask - if I were the foundation, would I recommend this for support? Another great way to get some BASIC information/experience would be to call several foundations/funding agencies in your state (NEA or NEH funded ones, like the Ohio Council for the Humanities, or laarge companies in your area that have foundations) and ask them for a grant application and regulations. Check out their websites, some have forms and regulations available online... Read them over, fill one or two out. Remember that you have to know the forms you may be using, at least the basics. See what kind of information they require, and how long it takes to prepare one (even for a ficticious event...). There are many ways to learn fundraising techniques, but backing your enthusiasm up with even basic knowledge may be of great assistance. I would also encourage you to try to find a smaller museum that might be interested in your volunteer goals. Large institutions with development departments are great places to learn, but time constraints my burden you with your own work schedule. Small, volunteer organizations need help, and perhaps you are just the person to give it to them. THey may be more flexible with your schedule and needs as well. I'd recommend starting on the local level, and working your way up. Pamela also brought up the great point about transferring knowledge from other non-profits in the fundraising arena. Perhaps there are other organizations in your area that can help you gain some experience (and in some cases, even training, for free). Have you thought about United Way, Cancer Assn., Red Cross, etc.? Be careful to associate yourself only with a reputable agency, but they can be great places to learn.... Best wishes! Melinda Gilpin ========================================================= 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).