About funding support
So even small museums and groups can start.
To keep culture going, you need mechanisms that support your intent.
This page summarizes how we think about “operating funds.”
- How to use public programs such as grants and subsidies
- How to position crowdfunding, donations, and membership programs
- How to shape cash flow for sustainable operations
Drawing on our own experience—business plans, subsidies, four successful crowdfunding projects, and book sales at exhibitions—we help small museums and groups build plans that fit their situation.
Who this is for
- Small museums, archives, literature museums, memorial museums
- Civic groups, NPOs, local cultural organizations
- Individuals running memorials or small galleries
- Individuals or small teams launching cultural or educational projects
Typical challenges
- You have an idea, but don’t know which programs you can use
- Grants interest you, but writing applications feels burdensome
- An application was rejected and you are unsure how to improve it
- You want to try crowdfunding but worry about rewards and communications
- You want to start donations or memberships but don’t know where to begin
- You want sustainable operations, not one-off fundraising
What we support
1. Mapping programs and schemes
- Shortlisting public programs (grants, subsidies, etc.) that fit your goals and scale
- Gathering area-specific information from municipalities and foundations
- Designing combinations beyond grants—crowdfunding, donations, memberships
2. Co-writing plans and applications
- Interviewing to clarify background, goals, and success indicators
- Drafting structures (contents/outlines) that match application formats
- Helping draft applications (structure and wording advice)
- Planning with the annual schedule in mind (call → award → reporting)
Final application creation/submission is the applicant’s responsibility. We provide structural and wording advice, and do not handle regulated tasks such as preparing tax filings, financial statements, or acting as an agent for filings with authorities.
3. Reporting and documentation
- Outlining reports and needed data
- Guidance on organizing photos and numbers
- Creating “review sheets” that feed into the next project or application
4. Crowdfunding planning
- Setting project goals and crafting a story supporters understand
- Thinking through targets and rewards that remain sustainable
- Key points when choosing a platform (Readyfor, CAMPFIRE, etc.)
- Planning updates during the campaign (cadence and content)
5. Designing donations and memberships
- Shaping donation/member programs that fit your activities and visitors
- Drafting price tiers and benefit ideas
- Designing web and print pathways that make joining easy
- Building manageable operating rules that you can sustain