How to Create New Revenue Streams for Your Cultural Site – Part Two

March 2, 2017 by Taylor Studios in Professional & Industry Tips

Your organization’s financial needs are ongoing—even when resources are limited.

Public funding can be fickle, here one day and gone the next. And you can only ask your loyal donor base so often before you start to sound like a broken record.

Here’s another round of ideas to help you put the “fun” back in fundraising…or at least help diversify and strengthen your revenue base.

For example, add value for your VIPs by providing them “exclusive access” in the form of exhibit previews, or early registration periods for programs and classes. This doesn’t cost you anything in terms of additional staff or materials, but it’s a great perk for the people who care most about you! (PS, if the same folks are also your first-string volunteers for cleanups, tours, publicity or events, then your members/friends program can be twice as beneficial!)Of course, if you DO have the time and resources for a more robust benefits package, there are LOTS of other goodies you could incorporate, e.g. free or discounted merchandise, custom gifts, exclusive newsletters, members-only parties and events, free parking and more.Oh, and let’s not forget about the money part: applications like and can make recurring dues/donations easy and automatic.

For more perks about partnerships, check out this written by our good friend Jay Miller.

Think Inside the Box: the Donation Box – It may seem obvious, but it’s nonetheless effective: having a donation box near the exit of your exhibits captures your guests’ attention when they’re freshly motivated and inspired by their experience. It’s a convenient, fast and simple way for people of various means to contribute to your cause. (Read this fascinating study on donation box fundraising ).To maximize effectiveness, this revenue receptacle should be not only stylish and eye-catching (interactive is a bonus), but also durable and secure. It should complement the aesthetic of your exhibits, but still stand out enough that people will take notice. (Psst…if you need design or fabrication help in this department, we know some people!)

Donation box at Albany Pine Bush Preserve