Rosemary Healy wrote: > > I'd like to open a mobile museum that could > travel to different parts of the city as part of an education and > "community bonding" promotioon. I have the names of contacts for some > private sponsors (local businesses) but was wondering what are my chances > of receiving any grant money. Would I have to ask the museum to write a > grant proposal, or could i get money myself ? I have been involved in several start-up programs, that is, programs with no history, let alone a history of success. I have found that for the first four or five years, funding is almost impossible. Local sponsors and volunteers are your best bet while you are making yourself a track record. The upkeep of a vehicle makes the problem even more difficult...there is maintenance, fuel, insurance, etc. You will need a cash flow, so maybe you will need to ask for a donation at the door. If you are indeed affiliated with a local museum, or library, they will have a lot better chance of success at grant writing. Be aware that most anyone who gives will want to deduct the contribution so you will need a 501(c)3 - this is not a terribly difficult process but I have found that the best way to get it done is by having a local accountant or attorney do it pro bono. If you can use the 501(c)3 of an established institution, so much the better. If there is a possibility of having the city fund the project to some extent, you will do well. I would approach them about either cash funding - unlikely in the tight circumstances most municipalities find themselves in nowadays - or in-kind participation such as routine maintenance at the city garage, advertising on the city's web page, or coverage under their insurance plan. It is possible they will see their participation as a great PR tool (politicians often look for ways to show their beneficence to the populace/voters). Support from local government is helpful when approaching other donors - even if it is only in the form of a letter of support. You will need to pitch your project at anyone who will listen. I have found in our small city (about 45,000) that local banks will often contribute a few dollars to an unknown program. Here the contributions seem to range between $50 and $250, with about 2/3 of the banks giving something. They do have a funding cycle, require 501(c)3 numbers, and usually have formal application procedures, but they are a great source of seed money and once you have a list of donors, others will follow. Good luck. This sounds like a good project. Gather several supporters who will work at this project until it succeeds. It will really take only a few if they are articulate and truly excited about the program. Ginny Cass President, Board of Directors Northern Rockies Heritage Center P. O. Box 1884 Missoula, MT 59806-1884 phone 406.728.3662 (message) FAX 406.728.5063 email [log in to unmask] http://www.nrhc.org