Hi Joanna-
While I am no development professional, I am aware of some of the marketing/fundraising buzzwords (or perhaps "buzz ideas") out there. One that we in the aviation museum industry take a great interest in is concept of "experience economy." The current guru of this concept (or certainly a guru) is Joseph Pines II (see link to interview with Pines below). I mention Mr. Pines and Experience Economy because I think it's something to think about as you launch fundraising and marketing efforts. Even smaller institutions need to consider thinking along the lines of Mr. Pines. It seems to me that museums could corner the market on creating and selling "experiences" if they really tried. I concur with Mr. Burlakoff's observations and think they dovetail nicely into what Pines proposes. Good luck to you and keep us posted-
http://www.cio.com/archive/111599/pine.html
Sarah Sessions
Museum Specialist
USAF Museum
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 09:54:50 -0500
From: Nicholas Burlakoff <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Fundraising/Development
Can't help you much with Canadian reality, although I did manage to raise over $100K for our US museum in Canada, but that was in appearance fees. In the US reality, however, I found it most appropriate to look at the institution as a recipient of the "discretionary dollar." No one needs to go to a museum-unlike food, shelter, and clothing. In other words, I look to Tiffany, or another high-end store, as my chief competitor. The aim then becomes to give the "customer/patron" the type of service and emotional satisfaction that they would receive at such store. I recommend studying the marketing strategies and techniques of the type of store that your museum would most closely approximate. Grants and school groups need to be treated differently. Grants are a beastie of their own and school groups are no fun 'cause they are just like shooting fish in the barrel-treat the teacher civilly, state the experience in terms of appropriate grade level curriculum requirements, give the teacher pre-digested handouts and rake the money in (provided that in that particular year the school district is not playing games with fieldtrips). Note: beware of home schooling groups, I have found that they like to get the adults in free by requesting an inordinate number of chaperone passes. My favorite kids' groups have been incarcerated kids, they really appreciate being outside of their normal environment, genuinely appreciate being treated civilly, and soak-in any bit of new information, because they are so intellectually starved. nburlakoff
-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of JP M
Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2003 8:57 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fundraising/Development
I am working on a paper for my Museum Studies course here in Ontario, Canada and I am looking at the issue of funding in our small museusm community.
I would love to hear from other listserv members about the challenges and opportunities they have faced on this issue - especially from the Canadian or Ontarian perspective.
Thank you!
Joanna
Sarah