Large Scale Central

Train event sponsorship?

General Discussion
#1

For those involved in securing commercial support - sponsors, donors, “friends of…”, e.g. commercial sponsors,etc., can you verify any increase in donor/sponsor participation because of an “education feature” in conjunction with a school. I ask, as the Southern California RR Plaza Assoc., in Fullerton, Calif., is discussing the features needed in a museum plan and what consideration should be given to floor space for educational programs. As stated in prior posts, we draw over 30,000 for our two-day "“Railroad Days” in Fullerton at our station location. The event is free to the public – that’s why so many families attend. Disney brings a loco and locos from BSNF and the LA-based 4-8-4 steamer accompany nearly 50 vendors and modular RR displays.

Our immediate need…

Has anyone had first-hand or secondary experience with commercial and non-commercial donors being very attracted, and who were not initially, to funding once the children and their schools were made part of the museum or exhibit - in some way. Floor space is expensive. If there was a children-featured attraction, did the facility reflect that attraction by showing the effects of children visiting – and was there space in a facility designated for that effort? Did it increase sponsorship and what type?

I appreciate your input.

Wendell

#2

Wendell;

Rather than saying nothing, and giving you the opinion that no-one here cares; All I can say is, from my limited experience; NO, I can’t help you. There may be others that will burst fort with advice, or suggestions…I leave that to them. I do wish you good fortune on your quest.

My experience with the hobby of LS model railroading has been purely as a volunteer, and with a group that does not have a membership fee, or any official management. We average 15-20 persons every Saturday, joining together to OPERATE a railroad. We all contribute, each in his or her own way, and do not advertise, but keep enjoying guests, and new members. This has been going on for over 15 years. In our own way we offer education about the Railroad Industry, and a fellowship that promotes Model Railroading, good times and no politics or religion to foul up the fun.

If that is of any help…use our model, but I don’t think it is quite what you are looking for…

Fred Mills

#3

Wendell, I would start with looking at what commercial sponsors are found at craft shows, schools, theatres, children’s outdoor events, city league events, etc. These all involve families and children. They already have the appreciation/experience with events that target these groups and it would not be such a far fetched idea to under right this type of event. We have a number of companies here in our town that regular support various events that target or support events that involve families and/or children.

#4

Wendell, I’ve come back to this several times over tie last few hours, and I still can’t sus out what you are asking. Can you try again for those of us who are linguistically challenged?

#5

To Ron Hill-

Great suggestions - go to those who DO place an emphasis on kids education. Thanks.

To Steve and others:

My post is based on the wish that those readers who are involved in getting funding for major railroad projects - such as on-going community center displays and, in our case, railroad museums – what role did involving children’s education have in securing funding? If we include plans for an education centered room in our building, will it generate an interest in funding that we would not have without such a plan? In short, do readers have fund raising experiences that are MORE financially successful because they strongly included education of children as a feature of their purpose? If so, how was that emphasis on kids activated? For us, adding square footage to a building is expensive – yet, it may be what will enable full funding.

I hope I am now clear. thanks.

Wendell

#6

Here in Massachusetts there are home shows where a club can set up modules and run large scale trains.

THe inner city RR has done this many times in the past, biggest issue now is getting people to set up on Fridays for the 2 1/2 days of the home show.

#7

Wendell,

Understanding what you are asking, the answer is difficult to quantify. Generally speaking, if the commercial interest can ‘SEE’ a potential return on his investment in the donation to the NPO, then funding may be forthcoming. With the economy getting tighter, it is getting more difficult for any NPO to garner funding.The ‘good hearted’ business is a thing of the past, bottom line is all that matters.

I have no direct answer to your original question, but hope I may have shed some light on the lack of response.

Bob C.

#8

No direct yes /no answer here. But I do know that there is certain funding from state and private entities that look heavily at and or only provide grants and funding assistance for “educational” endeavors. The state may have some grants to be had for monies that are only allocated to public educational endeavors. Be that rail history or tree conservation, wetlands or , etc. Most states allocate a budget line for these educational type programs, but that also leads to often one time funds, and not an ongoing revenue stream. We, the DRHS, are benefiting from Colorado’s tax on gaming winnings at the state approved casinos. That monies only used for historical perseverance. I think that long term corporate funding would be very difficult to get, and budget with, as they may pull out of any project at any time.

I think that your best chance of outside funding would be best to put together a great educational program with outreach into the community. And then approach local corporate for sponsorship of that program for a set period of time. Such as a “Be Safe Around Trains… Sponsored by XXXXXXXX” Long Beach Port authority, or the Dock workers union, may just have some funds set aside for outreach programs. You would just need to be creative with sponsorships.

And lastly… What other train related museums will you be competing with for $'s and visitors?

#9

Thank you all for your input.

Dave’s question (above) as to competing train museums is a good one. Our situation is a location directly on site of the acclaimed 3rd most active station in the U.S. At least BSNF and UP and Amtrak have stated such. The San Diego/Fullerton/LA Union Station is one of the most successful Amtrak lines. So the two outdoor museums in So. Calif. that have collections of rolling stock and locos are not on a mainline with heavy passenger use and therefore lack the exposure to thousands of travelers/commuters per week. In short, we do have the interest of the railroads as evidenced by both BSNF and Amtrak’s supplying rolling stock and new generation locos for our Railroad Days.

So the feature of children’s education is going to get some serious research and how we can accommodate within a museum structure. Talking to those agencies that feature children as their focus - likely outside the medical area - is a good idea including Dave’s suggestion of educational grants once the education aspect of what we will offer is established.

Wendell

#10

Add on. With BNSF and UP + Amtrak active at the site, They all have a committed funding for “Operation Lifesaver” programs, so that in it’s self could be an easy tie in for funds, and active participation by the RR’s. I believe that each RR has a regional person doing the lifesaver program. Check it out.

#11

Dave,

Thanks. Very sharp suggestion. I picked up a card-stock “Personal Safety” brochure from the station. You are correct, there obviously was considerable expenditure to create it. Ok, good ideas for the upcoming board meeting.

Curious, are you associated with railroad operations?

Wendell

#12

Wendell, you folks want to build an addition to the building there?

#13

As to the structure, the intention is it will not be attached to the current “mission style” architecture of the station itself. Likely, any final drawings will reflect a roof and enclosure over the three tracks we have as our storage/display sidings – the museum building will extend from this point.