Teresa,

In a county of over 200,000 you should be able to achieve basic board responsibilities from your board. At a minimum, the board should have a set goal for fundraising each year. You must have 100% giving from your board, regular board attendance at meetings, and on committees. I don't know how many events you have, but expecting them to come to all of them, or even five may be unrealistic. Board members are usually busy people who have limited time to give to a museum, and are often on several boards. The board should have an events committees, and each board member should be involved actively with the events, and commit to at least two. If your board member cannot recruit (sell) new members, donate thier money and time, they need to be retired from the board and new members added. It seems in every town there are a limited number of people that get involved, but actively recruiting new board members infuses new blood and ideas into an institution and is vital. I am a firm believer in board term limits, and many foundations require them before giving.

 

There are many good books out there on boards and on fundraising. Look at the publications list on AAM and AASLH, and the center on philanthropy at Indiana University for more info. Below is the link.

 

Center on Philanthropy

 

Good luck.

Rick Fields