Advancement staff updated the board on fundraising metrics, restricted accounts and several pending capital funding requests.

Staff reported membership and corporate partnerships are up about 8% year-over-year and the number of donations is up roughly 17% compared with the prior year. The foundation’s endowment “has now gone over the million dollar threshold,” staff said, and the foundation manages four accounts including restricted funds intended for research, collections and student training.

The board heard about specific capital requests: facilities staff said the Young Explorer Center (a repurposed library on Sterling Avenue) has a federal directed spending request of $640,000 and a state budget request of $2,000,000. Separate funds — $100,000 from the museum’s maintenance reserve — were identified for upgrades to the Waynesboro mobile science trailer for hydraulics and HVAC work.

Board members discussed how to deploy restricted funds wisely and the role of gift-basket and auction strategies at events to broaden donor participation. Staff emphasized that some restricted accounts will continue to accrue interest and be used for targeted exhibit and research incentives.

Advancement asked board members to help raise the museum’s profile with legislators and community partners as funding requests move forward.