ARLIS/NA 48th Annual Conference

Whether in a small museum environment, mid-sized art and design center, or large research setting, it has become vital for art information professionals to pursue financial support through individual donors, friends groups, or community partners. New initiatives and ongoing programs invariably require that we employ well established methods to support our institutional mission and goals. In challenging economic times it’s often essential that we explore creative ways to sustain activities that are central to our missions, whether they be for capital campaigns, operating expenses, special collections acquisitions, or digital initiatives. Unfortunately, relatively few art information professionals have backgrounds in institutional advancement, grant writing or donor relations. Frequently, our limited exposure to the individuals and departments that are central to these pursuits means that we lack critical insight into the art of fundraising. As a result, we find it necessary to learn many of these skills independently by trial and error or through a trusted mentor.

This session will highlight key aspects of fundraising through the insights of three proven leaders in the realms of academic, museum, and art and design school libraries. Speakers will address topics such as:
• Working with your development or advancement department
• Establishing and managing friends groups
• Cultivating donors and trustees
• Collaborating with faculty or curatorial colleagues
• Connecting with foundations
• Fostering strategic partners

Each of the presenters serves or has served at the director level in their respective organizations and has led successful fundraising initiatives to raise millions of dollars for their institutions. Collectively, they bring more than 100 years of experience to bear in working with advancement departments, grant funding entities, and private donors.

Objectives

Attendees will come away from the session with the following key take-aways by learning to:
• Collaborate with advancement staff in support of library initiatives
• Create strategies for long-term donor cultivation
• Establish and manage affinity or friends groups