Museums face unique fundraising challenges. This complete guide offers proven strategies, from grants and corporate partnerships to innovative fundraising ideas, backed by expert insights.
Start a fundraiserUnlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for Museums. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.
Inspire Grants for Small Museums
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
$5,000 - $50,000
Government
Supports small museums in project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational programs, digital resources, and more.
Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative
Lilly Endowment Inc.
Up to $2,500,000
Private Foundation
Supports museums and cultural organizations in developing exhibitions and programs that provide fair, accurate portrayals of religion's role in society.
Museums for America
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
$5,000 - $250,000
Government
Supports projects that strengthen the ability of an individual museum to serve its public through collections stewardship, community engagement, and lifelong learning.
National Fund for Sacred Places
Partners for Sacred Places and National Trust for Historic Preservation
$50,000 - $500,000
Private Foundation
Provides matching grants to congregations undertaking significant capital projects at historic houses of worship, including museum-like preservation efforts.
Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain Museums efforts.
Up to 5% + 35¢ per transaction
Up to 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction
Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your Museums.
Digital Membership Card Upgrade Campaign
Launch a campaign to upgrade existing members to digital membership cards, offering enhanced benefits like instant access to exclusive content, personalized recommendations, and easy ticket booking. This modernization drive can attract new members while increasing engagement and retention of current ones.
Adopt-an-Artifact Virtual Gala
Host a virtual gala where attendees can 'adopt' artifacts from the museum's collection. Create engaging video presentations for each artifact, detailing its history and significance. Donors receive digital certificates, exclusive content, and recognition on the museum's website.
Museum-Inspired Subscription Box
Create a monthly subscription box featuring museum-inspired items, replicas, and educational materials. Each box could be themed around different exhibits or collections, providing an ongoing revenue stream and deepening engagement with supporters.
Corporate Art Lease Program
Develop a program where local businesses can lease curated art pieces from the museum's collection for their offices. This provides a steady income stream while exposing more people to the museum's collection and potentially attracting new visitors.
Community Curator Challenge
Launch a social media campaign inviting community members to curate their own mini-exhibits using items from their homes or neighborhoods. Participants donate to enter, and winners get their exhibits featured in the museum and online.
Immersive Fundraising Experience
Create a fully immersive digital experience that allows donors to explore future exhibit concepts or restoration projects. Use augmented reality to showcase how their contributions will directly impact the museum's future, encouraging larger donations.
Museum After Dark Series
Organize a series of exclusive after-hours events featuring themed experiences, such as mystery nights, silent discos, or interactive performances related to current exhibits. Limit tickets to create a sense of exclusivity and encourage higher-priced admissions.
Limited Edition Museum Merchandise Collaboration
Partner with renowned artists or designers to create limited edition merchandise inspired by the museum's collection. Launch these products through a high-profile online and in-store campaign, with proceeds supporting specific museum initiatives.
Virtual Docent Program
Create a program where corporate employees can volunteer as virtual docents, leading online tours for schools and community groups. Companies sponsor the program, providing both volunteers and financial support, while expanding the museum's educational reach.
Neighborhood Heritage Trail
Develop a self-guided heritage trail through the local neighborhood, connecting the museum to historical sites and partner businesses. Sell trail maps and audio guides, with proceeds split between the museum and community improvement projects.
To attract younger donors, museums should focus on digital engagement and experiential offerings.
Small museums can implement several effective fundraising strategies.
To improve digital fundraising, museums should optimize their websites for mobile donations and implement clear calls-to-action.
Key museum fundraising trends for 2025 include increased focus on digital engagement and virtual experiences.
To retain and engage donors long-term, museums should focus on personalized communication and stewardship.
Explore 9 simple steps on how to start a museum in 2024. Discover expert tips for navigating legal requirements, planning, and funding as a nonprofit museum.
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