Museum struggles to find funds

It's hard to be one of more than a dozen non-profits in a small community, especially in the current economic situation – at least that's what the Bigfork Museum of Art & History has found.

Revenue from donations, fundraisers and the gift shop has been down and the museum has had to dip into its reserves, museum director Marnie Forbis said. Now, only a quarter of those funds remain.

"It's a daunting time to come up with money," Forbis said. "We've been very frugal, but the storm of the economy has made us dip into funds."

The museum doesn't get money from county, state or federal funds. Forbis does apply for grants, but finds it difficult, especially without belonging to an incorporated town where the city could play the role of grant administer as required by some of the higher dollar grants.

It's also difficult to find grants to cover operating expenses. The museum usually has better luck finding funds for specific displays.

The museum's membership at 275 members has held relatively steady, so that's where Forbis wants to expand that base, especially to businesses. Those numbers, while stable, haven't been increasing either. Memberships range from $40 for an individual or $500 for a benefactor.

"We are a community museum with funding from members of the community," Forbis said. "We really do need people to support us."

The museum is getting ready to launch its biggest membership campaign ever, Forbis said, with door-to-door visits and an event in November.

A Night at the Museum, on Friday, Nov. 13, will bring in members of the community for hors d'oeuvres and wine. Artwork from a member show will be on display.

The museum regularly features artist displays as well as a historical exhibit on the area.

"Not many communities this size have something like this," Forbis said.

The museum's roots in the community trace back to 1977, but it was officially founded in 1983. It was formerly known as the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center, but the name was changed two years ago for clarity, Forbis said.

The museum has also been working to up its historical offerings, but Forbis said the timing could have been better – they started work just as the economy started to dive a year and a half ago.

There are other ways to help the museum, aside from donations, Forbis said.

The museum is always looking for volunteers, and currently has more than 65 active community members involved in its operations. In the winter, the museum also looks for local programs and welcomes people who are interested in giving presentations.

Find out more about the Bigfork Museum of Art & History at www.bigforkmuseum.com.