Campaign News

President's Message:  May - June 2006

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"Every Member Counts"

When we at The Huntington say that every member makes a difference, we mean precisely that; the institution is thriving in its mission as a research and educational center because of contributions that we refer to as annual giving.

You may think of your annual membership as a benefit that accrues solely to you, in that it permits you frequent and nearly unfettered access to the grounds, exhibitions, and a wide range of programs. But we want you to know how important your membership is to the health and future of this institution, and how grateful we are that you’ve chosen to be a part of this extraordinary place of knowledge and beauty.

Whether making annual gifts of $100, $500, or $100,000, Huntington members are the not-so-secret ingredient that sustains the institution’s vitality; their gifts and other annual support go directly into the general operating budget, providing 39 percent of the annual total. To put this in perspective, endowment income provides 33 percent of the annual operating budget, and the remaining 28 percent comes from admissions, revenues, and grants.

Chronically challenged by an inadequate endowment, The Huntington has assiduously developed its annual giving donor base over the past several years—meaning every membership at every level counts. Annual giving is a central emphasis of our fundraising campaign. And while we are working to build our endowment, it’s the annual gifts that keep the gates open, the lights on, and the flowers blooming.

General membership has grown tremendously in recent years. A decade ago The Huntington had about 8,000 households in this category. It has since grown to about 25,000 and generated $2.2 million in income in 2005. This growth was the result of a deliberate effort to get visitors to embrace The Huntington not just with occasional visits, but by joining in the cultural life of an institution that delivers benefits year in and out.

We are also experiencing a great surge in annual gifts of $2,500 or more through the Society of Fellows, a group of about 620 households that has grown in numbers and strength, thanks in part to the voluntary leadership of Overseers Peggy Galbraith and Ken McCormick. Peggy and Ken and the Fellows Membership Committee have worked tirelessly to bring more members into this institutional family. In the last year, the Fellows group has expanded by 71 new households and now contributes $3.15 million to the annual operating budget.

The breadth of their generosity is remarkable. Thirty-eight families contribute $25,000 or more every year. Nine families contribute annual gifts of $100,000 or more. This benchmark is significant to note because when I arrived at the institution five years ago, just a handful of families were contributing over $10,000 each year.

This dynamic community is integral to institutional life at The Huntington in other ways; what we’ve found is that our members don’t just simply give money, they personally commit themselves to the Huntington’s goals and mission. Many Fellows contribute their time and leadership as volunteer docents, fundraisers, committee members, and Overseers and Trustees.

People who know The Huntington understand that annual giving is the institution’s lifeblood, but they also know the ongoing investment of their personal time, interest, and talents is what makes this place shine.

Steve Koblik, President