>>Those on the line, how many of you are associated with "a museum" that is >>not state, federal or government supported with paid salary? benefits? >>site or building,etc.? How many are really totally non-profit and on >>their own in the naked jungle of "where's my funding coming from next?" >> >We are an emerging children's museum that meets all those criteria! > We meet the "museum" criteria as set out by AAM and we are totally private non-profit. I think the answer to where the money comes from is EARNED INCOME! At MMC last fall a presenter said, "just because you're non-profit doesn't mean you can't earn money," and that really hit a chord with me because we are about 60% earned income and 40% contributed. Museums CAN charge for their services, but I think where the fine line comes is at admission: if the museum is supported by tax dollars for a good part of its general operating income, it seems like double-dipping to charge the public to come in the door. I'd like to see a discussion going on this list of what museum services/programs people charge for and what it means for the income of the institution. My personal belief is that earned income is not a dirty word (or phrase) and that non-governmental museums are in general too shy about charging for the valuable educational services they provide. Julia Moore Indianapolis Art Center