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| Surplus Personal Property |
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Museums
MUSEUMS ATTENDED BY THE PUBLIC
Definition and clarification terms. Only institutions that meet all the elements of the basic definition for a museum can be considered for eligibility. Under this definition, as set forth in FPMR 101-44.207(a)(16), a museum is a “public or private nonprofit institution which is organized on a permanent basis essentially for educational or esthetic purposes and which, using a professional staff, owns or uses tangible objects, whether animate or inanimate; cares for these objects; and exhibits them to the public on a regular basis (at least 1,000 hours a year) either free or at a nominal charge.” When considering the eligibility of an institution as a museum, the following expansion of key words used in the definition will apply:
- Public. The institution is supported in whole or in part with public funds. Any museum established as a part of, and operated by a State or local government agency would be eligible to participate in the donation program as a part of the State or local government’s eligibility as a public agency. Eligibility for these museums would be established with the State agency in the same manner as for any other public agency program.
- Nonprofit. The museum has documentary evidence of its tax-exempt status under section 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
- Organized. The institution is a duly constituted body with expressed responsibilities. It has an organizing document (articles of incorporation or other written instrument by which it was created) affirming its legal existence and the purpose(s) for which it was formed.
- Permanent. The institution is expected to continue in perpetuity.
Essentially for educational or esthetic purposes. The institution is organized and operated primarily for educational or esthetic purposes. It seeks to further public understanding and appreciation of science, history, art or culture by knowledgeable use of its objects.
Professional staff. An institution uses a professional staff if it employs full-time at least one qualified staff member, whether paid or unpaid, who devotes his or her time primarily to the acquisition, care, or public exhibition of objects owned or used by the museum. For the purposes of this definition, a qualified professional is one who, by virtue of education, training, or experience is capable of making museological decisions consonant with the experience of his or her peers. No minimum qualifications are prescribed.
Owns or uses tangible objects. The tangible objects, animate and inanimate, forming the museum’s collection may either be owned by the institution or on loan to it. The objects, moreover, should reflect the museum’s stated purpose(s) and have intrinsic value to science, history, art or culture.
A copy of the museums current financial statement should accompany the application.
A COMPLETE NARRATIVE OF YOUR PROGRAM SHOULD BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR APPLICATION. INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE MUSEUM, WHAT IT DISPLAYS, STATE HOURS AND DAYS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, LISTING OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF AND THEIR DUTIES. ALSO INCLUDE ARTICLES OF INCORPORTATION OR OTHER WRITTEN INSTRUMENT BY WHICH IT WAS CREATED. (Affirming it legal existence and the purpose(s) for which it was formed).
Apply for Eligibility To apply to receive Federal Surplus Personal Donation Property
simply open, print, and fill-out the following:
...and mail (or hand-deliver) to:
Eligibility Coordinator
Oregon Federal Surplus Property Program
1655 Salem Industrial Drive NE
Salem, Oregon 97303-4238
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