25 is large for an effective board I would usually reckon that 15 is a sensible maximum.

The Board should be about setting strategy, vision and providing governance.  Ideally board members should be recruited to provide a balance of the skills required to do this.  Board members should also be able to commit sufficient time to board duties.  You also want people who can advocate for the museum and it is good if they are representative of the museum's community.  Having minimum or even suggested financial contributions can exclude people from board membership who would otherwise be assets to the board.

Trevor Reynolds
Collections Registrar, English Heritage
tel: +44 (0) 1904 601905.  37 Tanner Row, York, YO1 6WP

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jessica Baldwin
Sent: 13 March 2013 18:29
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Board Question

Oh Wise Listers-

Quick board scenario for your review.

A long standing museum has a board of 25.  Less than half of those members are active financial contributors, only 3 of which give $5,000 or less annually.  There is no suggested or required board contributions.  The board understands that growing the endowment is ideal for financial security.  The board proposes a solution to the internal lack of contributions - create a sub-organization with its own board that financially contributes to the museum, it's buildings, and other programs run by the main board.  

Question: Does anyone have any experience with this type of solution?

Thank you!
Jessica

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