board support

Do any of the museums following this group require a minimum contribution from board members or trustees? If so, what guidelines are used to determine at what level? This information is sought only for the purpose of educating our own board as to current practices among museums. Thank you! James Petersen Administrator Timken Museum of Art

Have you checked with your state/provincial/federal museum association? They usually have some materials on Board Members' roles. I know some musums that would like to see a maximum contribution level set. Doug Hoy

Jim, At the Calgary Science Centre we require each Board Member to be a member of the affinity supporting organization which requires an annual conrtibution of $500 per couple. A Board Member can be excused from this requirement, in exceptional circumstances, by the Chair. In addition each Board Member is expected to both open doors and raise funds in proportion to their capability to do so. The Board Members on the fund development committee have each set a personal fund development target.

The Centre did not get to this level of Board committment and involvement quickly or easily. It took several years of quality leadership from Board Chairs and Members plus quite a bit of work, impetus and encouragement by managment to get to this in place. It continues to be a challenge to help keep everyone comfortable and fully on-side, and to do the succession planning so there is a continued group of committeed leaders on the Board.

This Board committment has made a visible contribution to the increased success of the Centre. There is nothing like being on a winning team to encourge people - so there is wisdom of focusing Board and Community contributions on projects that will bring demonstrable, encouraging results.

I hope you find this helpful. I'd be curious to know what conclusions you arrive at.

Cheers, Bill Peters CEO The Calgary Science Centre