Development: Behind the Scenes at the Abbe Museum
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| We found Hannah chatting away, making sure the Abbe's upcoming programs and activities were included on summer event calendars. |
Hannah Whalen, Director of Development
In January, it’s usually a little chilly in my office
upstairs at the Abbe
Museum. Armed with a sweater and a cup of hot tea, I
set to work on the computer, planning and strategizing for the upcoming year of
Fundraising and Development work at the Abbe.
The budget has already been determined for 2012 and I need
to make sure that we have an organized approach in order to meet our annual
fundraising goals. I recently finished
the Development Plan for 2012 and the accompanying tracking system that we use
internally to make sure we stay on pace with our mailings, membership,
sponsorships, donor visits etc...
Right now, I am
working on a comprehensive list or specific “menu” of ways that one can support
the Abbe. Programs, people and projects
are what the “giving menu” is based upon and it will include things like
support for: exhibits, events, educational programs, collections care, acquisitions
fund, facility care and the people who make it happen. When I visit with donors, I like to bring
them news from the Abbe and learn more about who they are, what they are
interested in and why they support the Abbe Museum. This “menu” will be something that I will be
able to share on my visits when it is appropriate. Part of my job is to be a
match maker between the donor and the Abbe; I work to find funding
opportunities that match a person’s interests or passion. I can then tailor a specific proposal for
them. When a match is made, it is exciting and deeply satisfying for both
parties.
It seems like the summer is light years away, but it will be
here before we know it. We are already
planning for the Gathering Gala, which happens on July 18th this
year. My job is to garner sponsorship
support for the Gala and I am working with Astra to organize the mailing list
and get the letters out to potential sponsors.
Meanwhile, we are planning our second annual winter gathering for Gala
artists, sponsors and Abbe volunteers.
This is way to thank our local community members for their support in
the off-season, when we have more time to get together.
There is plenty more going on, but I am going to get another
cup of tea and turn my focus to the “giving menu” and other Development-related
duties. Thank you for your interest in
the Abbe Museum and for supporting our on-going
effort to inspire new learning about the Wabanaki Nations with every visit.
