For fundraising, as other topics, check the AAM bookstore. 

 

Your friend has the opportunity to assemble a board that would understand from Day One that they have fundraising responsibilities -- maybe drawn from successful locksmiths, or hobbyists or community cultural mavens.

 

Look at the funding requirements of the City-sponsored museums in your friend's area.  And consider the constituency the museum will be attracting -- any ideas on attracting them in advance with a preview event?  Another consideration is how much operating/endowment cash will need to be raised: annually, gradually, eventually and immediately!  The numeric answers to those questions will let your friend know if the project as envisioned is feasible. 

 

Remind your buddy about the need for insurance -- not just for theft of or damage to objects but for guest/staff/volunteer liability.  All you need is one toddler hitting a corner of a table or one opportunistic "guest" to be wiped out financially.  And homeowner's insurance doesn't cover public display.

 

Again, viewed holistically, the budget process is where it starts, and AAM has great written material.

 

Good luck!

 

Liz Bleiberg