ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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Discovery Science Center in Fort Collins, Colorado is in the beginning
phases of planning for a new facility.  We are presently an independent
501(c)(3) that is housed in an old elementary school building.
Discovery Science Center was founded in 1989 and has existed on a meager
budget since that point in time.  Just as we were going to embark on a
capital campaign to raise funds for a new science center, the city of
Fort Collins expressed interest in a pursuing a private-public
partnership.  The city runs a historical museum and also has plans for a
new building that would be tax subsidized.  On the negotiating table is
a partnership where Discovery Science Center would raise private capital
dollars to "blend" with the city's dollars to build a common facility
that would have discreet wings.  After 16 years of independence, this
public-private partnership seems foreign to us.  However, there have
been years where funding was so scarce, we almost closed the doors.  

Could I ask for examples of how your science centers/museums partner
with your respective cities?  Any words of advice would be welcome.

Respectfully,
Annette   

Have Fun. Get Smarter!
Annette Geiselman
Executive Director
Discovery Science Center
970-472-3991
www.dcsm.org

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