Open Forum

Original Message:
Sent: 1/21/2021 10:21:00 AM
From: Patty Wilder
Subject: Board compensation?

I believe that most museum boards operate like most nonprofit organizations with an expectation that board members contribute at a level that they are able to do but I am asking if anyone knows of Museum boards that compensate board members?

Thanks

Patty - 

While very rare, it is not unheard of for some level of compensation to take place. It is normally in the form of reimbursements for travel, etc., as described in this article from the Council of Nonprofits. 

I would suggest that your organization progress slowly and carefully as this is a mine-field, legally and financially. 

Regardless, I would always question their reason for participation. Are they there to enrich the organization through work, wealth, and wisdom? Or are they there to enrich themselves? If it is the latter, I would suggest they are not board members but contracting consultants.

Good Luck!

Dave K.

------------------------------
David Kennedy
Curator of Collections and Exhibits
US Marshals Museum
Fort Smith, AR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2021 10:21 AM
From: Patty Wilder
Subject: Board compensation?

I believe that most museum boards operate like most nonprofit organizations with an expectation that board members contribute at a level that they are able to do but I am asking if anyone knows of Museum boards that compensate board members?

Thanks

Original Message:
Sent: 1/22/2021 9:11:00 AM
From: David Kennedy
Subject: RE: Board compensation?

Patty - 

While very rare, it is not unheard of for some level of compensation to take place. It is normally in the form of reimbursements for travel, etc., as described in this article from the Council of Nonprofits. 

I would suggest that your organization progress slowly and carefully as this is a mine-field, legally and financially. 

Regardless, I would always question their reason for participation. Are they there to enrich the organization through work, wealth, and wisdom? Or are they there to enrich themselves? If it is the latter, I would suggest they are not board members but contracting consultants.

Good Luck!

Dave K.

------------------------------
David Kennedy
Curator of Collections and Exhibits
US Marshals Museum
Fort Smith, AR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2021 10:21 AM
From: Patty Wilder
Subject: Board compensation?

I believe that most museum boards operate like most nonprofit organizations with an expectation that board members contribute at a level that they are able to do but I am asking if anyone knows of Museum boards that compensate board members?

Thanks

In my experience in working with dozens of museums, I have not encountered any that provide compensation to board members. I hasten to add that such a thing may certainly exist, and in a quick review of the AAM Code of Ethics, it is not spelled out as being unethical. (This may spark further discussion, I should think.) Few museums have the wherewithal to pay board members, and there is a long tradition of expecting unpaid, volunteer membership on museum boards.

In working with charitable foundations, I have observed one that does provide compensation, but I firmly believe that the board members are sincerely devoted to the mission of the foundation. And in this particular case, it would be unlikely that board members (heads of national organizations for arts or health, university presidents, etc.) could take advantage of the foundation's grants.

Best,
Bruce

------------------------------
Bruce MacLeish
Curator Emeritus, Newport Restoration Foundation
Cooperstown NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2021 10:21 AM
From: Patty Wilder
Subject: Board compensation?

I believe that most museum boards operate like most nonprofit organizations with an expectation that board members contribute at a level that they are able to do but I am asking if anyone knows of Museum boards that compensate board members?

Thanks