I have two areas for you to explore here. It should be simple to lay out a justification for the box, as you have had many responses from like institutions. When you do so, I think you are on a good tact with the "why should we pay when users don't" angle. As to the box itself, I have at two different museums incorporated donation boxes where there had been none, or had been opaque boxes. I have made them part display, part exhibit. If they are free standing, or table mounted, build them with an acrylic display box that you can put an object into for display. In one instance I used a reproduction of a Dragoon hat, in others, I used small sculpture from the collections. Use proper signage to tell about the object, and what the donations are used for. I highly suggest not hiding the donations themselves, as people are more inclined to donate if they can see what others have given. Lastly, don't be afraid to put them in a prominent position. To often we are afraid to ask for money, or are ashamed about it. I think this comes from most of us being "economically challenged" in our salaries, but that is irrelevant.  There is a lot of money in the U.S. looking for a place to go. Be bold and ask for your museums fair share. If your museum is afraid to ask for it, it doesn't deserve to get it. Good luck, and keep us informed as to how it plays out.

Rick Fields