This is an extended discussion of the question that appeared in the Viewpoints department of the September/October 2011 issue of Dimensions magazine.

We make time to celebrate successes! It’s important to focus on the impact our institution has on its visitors and how each staff person contributes to this impact. Additionally, we continue to have an Activities Team to develop time and space for staff to engage in fun activities during and outside of work hours. From chili cook-offs to baseball games, there are opportunities for staff to get to know each other and take their minds off of work from time to time. (Pictured: A staff-intern outing to a food festival in downtown Chicago.)

Joy Kubarek-Sandor, student and teacher programs manager
John G. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago

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IN THIS ISSUE
July/August 2011

Faced with the challenges resulting from the worldwide economic crisis, science centers and museums must work diligently and creatively to maintain financial viability. Many science centers are diversifying their income sources, both by adhering to time-tested best practices of fundraising and by pursuing new methods and opportunities. Especially in these difficult times, successful science centers must follow sound financial practices, carefully prioritize their spending, and above all, deepen their commitment to their missions and their communities. In this issue, we explore trends, best practices, and strategies for thriving in tough situations.

Contents

• The State of the Science Center, by Katherine I. Goodall
• Strategies for Financial Health, by Charlie Trautmann and Lara Litchfield-Kimber
• Reducing Expenses While Increasing Value, by Gerardo Ibarra Aranda
• Rebuilding After a Natural Disaster in the Philippines, by May Pagsinohin
• Building a Strong Membership Program, by Shannon Schumacher
• How to Ask For (and Get) Major Gifts, by Simone P. Joyaux
• Great Opportunities Through Active Corporate Partnerships, by Larry Dubinski
• Guidelines for Planning Grant-Funded Projects, by Robert L. Russell

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By Katherine I. Goodall
From Dimensions
July/August 2011

There is no question that recent years have been extraordinarily challenging for those responsible for the financial well being of science centers and museums. Since the global economic downturn began in 2008, every revenue stream has been under threat. Some organizations have been forced to make huge cuts, while at the same time serving increasingly broad populations (AAM, 2011). Yet for many, the economic crisis has been a chance to think strategically, refocus, strengthen branding and core support, and explore new opportunities.

As ASTC’s director for institutional advancement, I’ve had the opportunity to talk about these challenges and opportunities with professionals in large and small science centers and museums worldwide. This article is by no means an exhaustive investigation of the recession’s impact on science centers, nor is it intended to suggest that every institution’s experience has been the same in the last three years. Rather, it provides a high-level overview of the complex subject of financial viability. For a deeper look at many of the topics touched on here, see the other articles in this issue.
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By Larry Dubinski
From Dimensions
July/August 2011

U.S. nonprofit organizations have long benefitted from the largesse of the for-profit sector. In 2009, corporations donated more than $14 billion to U.S. charitable causes, and the corporate sector has proven especially fruitful for science centers. Many centers—including the Franklin Institute (TFI) in Philadelphia, where I oversee external affairs—have long counted on their region’s leading utility, technology, and pharmaceutical companies to be among their top donors.
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ASTC is committed to helping our members worldwide achieve their goals, by equipping individual professionals with essential skills, providing member institutions with valuable information and perspectives, and linking our members to one another.

With this mission in mind, we proudly launched the newly redesigned Dimensions magazine with our July/August 2011 issue. We hope you’ll find the new magazine to be even more relevant, readable, and attractive.

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