Debra Kent, I'd like to respond to your request for information regarding seed money for new museums. As coordinator for the Association of Indiana Museums and a retired fundraiser with 25 years' experience in museums, I can tell you that there are no miracle answers. Most organizations and museums begin because there is a nucleus of individuals who believe in the project. This should be where the first money given comes from. These individuals then will have contacts with those who can solicit greater amounts of funds from other individuals and corporations. In many communities a community foundation sometimes will give or loan seed money but usually they ask for matching funds. This is sometimes the case with foundations (such as the Kellogg Foundation), but what your organization needs first is a basic understanding of fundraising concepts. In the most recent issue of Museogram (published by AIM and available free to its members and for $5 by non-members) are two articles which should be helpful: one is on fundraising for a capital campaign, the other on developing an annual fundraising program. There are also many other outstanding resources -- both periodicals and books -- as well as a resource right here in Indianapolis that has a national reputation for excellence. It is the Center for Philanthropy at IUPUI. Courses in the Fundraising School at the Center generally begin at $400 to $500 but are excellent. Phone 1-800-962-6692. I have some resources I would be willing to loan you, and I know that [log in to unmask] has a good lending library. He is one of the best museum consultant in the state, but there are several fundraising consultants who would be helpful also. Before beginning any serious fundraising, however, it will be important for you to obtain your IRS 501c3 status, and that is a long and rather expensive process nowdays. Finally, the Association of Indiana Museums is hosting a workshop on Oct. 29-30 on science education programs in museums. It will be held in New Harmony. AIM's mailing address is PO Box 24428, Indianapolis, IN 46224; phone 317/290-9851; FAX 317/387-0448; e-mail [log in to unmask] Good luck. Carol Vincent