Fundraising Structures at Institutionally-Affiliated Art Museums

This report examines the organizational and reporting structure of fundraising units at institutionally-affiliated art museums. The research also explores the qualifications for leadership and administrative staff on these fundraising teams, as well as fundraisers’ relationships with museum boards and other development units at the institution.

Summary This report examines the organizational and reporting structure of fundraising units at institutionally-affiliated art museums. The research also explores the qualifications for leadership and administrative staff on these fundraising teams, as well as fundraisers’ relationships with museum boards and other development units at the institution. Key observations from our research: 1. Museum-based fundraising units typically employ between two and six staff members, including a development director and an administrative assistant. 2. Development staff in art museums report to the development director, who reports to the museum director. 3. Museum-based fundraising teams interact with central development offices through monthly or quarterly meetings, and meet weekly with development officers to discuss specific donors or gifts. 4. Museum directors seek candidates for development leadership roles who have both fundraising experience for arts/cultural organizations and an appreciation for art. 5. Development directors cite emotional intelligence, listening skills, and attention to detail as valuable characteristics for museum-based fundraisers. 6. All contact institutions only have one museum board, and at four of five profiled institutions museum boards function as advisory councils and consist of the museum’s principal donors. 7. Development directors evaluate metrics such as dollars raised, number of donors, and membership program renewals when assessing art museum fundraising. DOWNLOAD THE REPORT