John, I am troubled by the idea that you and your staff would receive a percentage of an operating grant if awarded. I assume that you are talking about receiving payments that are above and and beyond your salaries. You might want to obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics from the National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE) which discusses the ethics of % payments to staff involved in development work. It's a "no-no." Also, you might want to join the Development and Membership committee of AAM (DAM) for $10 per year. There are lots of development professionals in museums who could be of assistance to you in the ethics of fundraising. Lynn Upchurch