Grant Writing and Fundraising.

Advanced Certificate in Museum Project Management #

A professional development program that provides participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully manage museum projects.

Appeal #

A request for donations, usually sent via mail or email, that outlines the need for funding and the impact the donation will have.

Budget #

A financial plan that outlines the estimated costs of a project and the expected sources of revenue.

Capital campaign #

A fundraising effort focused on raising a large amount of money for a specific project, such as building or renovating a museum.

Challenge grant #

A grant that is only awarded if the organization can raise a certain amount of matching funds.

Donor #

An individual or organization that provides financial support to a museum.

Donor recognition #

The act of publicly acknowledging and thanking donors for their support.

Grant #

A financial award given by a foundation, corporation, or government agency to support a specific project or program.

Grant proposal #

A written request for funding that outlines the need for the project, the methods and budget, and the expected outcomes.

Grant writing #

The process of researching and applying for grants to support museum projects and programs.

In #

kind donation: A non-monetary donation, such as goods or services, that can be used to support a museum's operations or programs.

Matching gift #

A donation made by a corporation or foundation that matches the donation made by an individual employee.

Membership program #

A fundraising strategy that offers benefits and privileges to individuals or organizations in exchange for an annual or monthly donation.

Prospect research #

The process of identifying and gathering information about potential donors, including their giving history, interests, and capacity to give.

Restricted grant #

A grant that can only be used for a specific purpose or project.

Stewardship #

The process of maintaining and deepening relationships with donors through regular communication, reporting, and recognition.

Unrestricted grant #

A grant that can be used for general operating expenses or any project or program.

Vision statement #

A statement that outlines a museum's long-term goals and aspirations.

Capitalization table #

A financial tool that outlines the sources of funding for a capital campaign, including grants, donations, and in-kind contributions.

Case statement #

A document that makes a compelling argument for why a museum needs funding and what the funds will be used for.

Cold call #

A fundraising approach in which a development officer reaches out to a potential donor who has not previously expressed interest in supporting the museum.

Crowdfunding #

A fundraising strategy that uses online platforms to raise small donations from a large number of people.

Cultivation #

The process of building relationships with potential donors through personalized communication and engagement opportunities.

Deferred giving #

A fundraising strategy that encourages donors to make planned gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, to support the museum after their lifetime.

Donor pyramid #

A visual representation of a museum's donor base, with major donors at the top and smaller donors at the bottom.

Donor wall #

A physical or digital display that recognizes and honors donors who have made significant contributions to the museum.

Fiscal sponsorship #

An arrangement in which a nonprofit organization agrees to act as the fiscal agent for a museum that does not have its own 501(c)(3) status.

Friends group #

An organization of individuals who support a museum through volunteerism, fundraising, and advocacy.

Giving circle #

A group of donors who pool their resources and make collective decisions about which organizations to support.

Grant agreement #

A legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of a grant, including the amount awarded, the reporting requirements, and the use of funds.

Grant management #

The process of administering and monitoring grants to ensure compliance with the grant agreement and maximize the impact of the funds.

Major gifts #

Large donations, typically $1,000 or more, that provide significant support for museum projects and programs.

Planned giving #

A fundraising strategy that encourages donors to make long-term gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, to support the museum after their lifetime.

Proposal budget #

A detailed estimate of the costs associated with a grant proposal, including personnel, materials, and indirect costs.

Proposal narrative #

A written description of the project or program for which funding is being requested, including the need, methods, and expected outcomes.

Sponsorship #

A fundraising strategy that seeks financial support from corporations or businesses in exchange for recognition and promotion.

Sponsorship package #

A document that outlines the benefits and recognition opportunities available to sponsors at different giving levels.

Underwriting #

A fundraising strategy that seeks financial support from corporations or businesses to underwrite the costs of a specific program or event.

Volunteer #

An individual who donates their time and skills to support the museum's operations or programs.

Annual fund #

A fundraising campaign that seeks to raise a specific amount of money each year to support the museum's operations and programs.

Board of directors #

A governing body responsible for overseeing the museum's mission, finances, and strategic direction.

Capital campaign cabinet #

A group of influential volunteers who help lead and support a museum's capital campaign.

Case for support #

A document that outlines the need for a capital campaign and the impact the funds will have on the museum.

Challenge grant proposal #

A grant proposal that includes a request for a challenge grant, which will only be awarded if the museum can raise a certain amount of matching funds.

Corporate giving #

A fundraising strategy that seeks financial support from corporations through grants, sponsorships, or matching gifts.

Crowdfunding platform #

An online platform that facilitates crowdfunding campaigns for museums and other organizations.

Cultivation event #

An event or activity designed to engage and build relationships with potential donors.

Deferred giving vehicle #

A legal structure, such as a charitable trust or annuity, that is used to make planned gifts to a museum.

Donor database #

A software program that tracks and manages information about museum donors, including contact information, giving history, and communication preferences.

Donor recognition event #

An event or activity designed to recognize and honor donors who have made significant contributions to the museum.

Fiscal sponsor agreement #

A legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of a fiscal sponsorship arrangement between a museum and a nonprofit organization.

Friends group membership #

A membership program for individuals who support a museum through volunteerism, fundraising, and advocacy.

Giving circle grant #

A grant awarded by a giving circle to support a museum or other nonprofit organization.

Grant agreement amendment #

A document that outlines the changes to a grant agreement, such as an extension of the grant period or a change in the use of funds.

Grant management software #

A software program that helps museums administer and monitor grants, including tracking expenses, reporting progress, and submitting reports.

Major gifts officer #

A development professional who is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from individual donors.

Planned giving vehicle #