By the time the Nevada Museum of Art opens the doors on its new building in late May, it will have raised $22 million.
That's the five-year fundraising goal the museum set for itself four years ago to fund both the new, 13,482-square-foot building on West Liberty Street in Reno and an $8.5 million endowment.
"The campaign has gone better than we had anticipated," said Steven High, executive director of the museum.
"It's a good project and something that people are excited about."
Most of that money is coming from individual donors and foundations such as the Wilbur May Foundation, which just committed $1.5 million and not from corporations.
That, according to High, was a deliberate strategy from the start.
"We focused on individual giving," for the capital campaign to fund the building and endowment, said High.
"And on corporations for ongoing operating support."
That's, in part, because of the economy.
"Corporations are cutting back on philanthropy because of the uncertain economic times," said High.
But by funding operations, companies can see an immediate return on their investment, said High.
Some local casinos, for example, are helping to fund a travel package to see the museum's opening exhibit on the work of artists Diego Riveria and Frida Kahlo with the goal of bringing in tourists for both the museum and the hotels.
The exhibit, in fact, has attracted the help of a corporation that has no presence in northern Nevada.
Miramax Film Corp.
is using its donation to the museum as a way to promote its film "Frida" base don the life of Kahlo.
"Businesses are not philanthropic organizations, and we try to recognize that," said High.
"We find ways they can partner with us to benefit their mission while at the same time meeting our needs."
That partnership, and benefits, can come in many forms.With the move, the museum is revamping its corporate membership programs.
It will be broadening its range of membership options that now include programs starting at $500 for small companies and $1,000 for medium-sized businesses.
In return for their support, companies can offer discounts or free admission to employees.
Or they can host business luncheons in the museum's founder's room, a plush reception area on the third floor of the new building with panoramic views of the mountains.
Or the benefit can be less tangible.
"We feel the museum is an asset we can all enjoy," said Karen Foster, a spokeswoman for Sierra Pacific Resources, which over the last 12 years has donated $70,000 in cash and in-kind services to the museum.
The power company specifically funds the museum's efforts to increase its membership base, said Foster.
"We have a long history of corporate giving and we try to closely align with our own business purpose," said Foster.
"We see the museum particularly good fit, especially with the construction of the new museum.
It's an anchor for downtown redevelopment.We're going to have a premier art museum."
