This is a template letter for attracting funders to underwrite the costs of applying for MAP through Flexible Participation.  Remember to look at the "Alternative Ways to Pay MAP Cost Share" document for creative ways to fund your assessment.

[Date]

[Funder’s Name]
[Funder’s Title]
[Organization Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State, Zip]

Dear [Funder’s Name]:

I would like to thank you for your continued support of [insert Museum Name].  We appreciate the significant investment you have made to our institution and our mission [insert mission as an addendum].

[insert Museum Name] is interested in participating in the Museum Assessment Program (MAP), a nationally recognized program offered by the American Association of Museums.  MAP is a confidential process of self-study, peer review, and implementation that can strengthen [insert Museum Name].  Participants in MAP report improved communication between governing authority members, paid and unpaid staff, and their community; an increased level of professionalism; clearer focus on the museum’s mission; an energized staff and governing authority; and greater credibility with their stakeholders. 

By participating in this program, [insert Museum Name] is seeking to improve the way in which we operate and serve the public.  It’s a way for us to increase public trust and to show our stakeholders that we have high expectations for our performance.  It’s also a way for us to [begin/revisit] a planning process that will help us prioritize our needs while optimizing our strengths.

In order to participate, we need to raise funds for the following:

• $3,000 administrative fee for participating in the program
• $300 honorarium per peer reviewer
• Funds to cover the peer reviewer’s travel, meals, and lodging during the site visit (an estimated cost of  $725 per peer reviewer)
• Funds to implement the peer reviewer’s recommendations (costs as yet undetermined)

We hope that [Funder’s Name] will want to be a part of this great opportunity, whether through support of the assessment process or support in carrying out the recommendations provided by our peer reviewer.  I welcome the opportunity to discuss this with you further.  I will contact your office in the next couple of weeks.  In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at [insert phone number] or [insert e-mail].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your title]