13.6.170.219 Application
Explorations V Children's Museum, Inc.

Proposal Information

Item	Response
Application #	13.6.170.219
Program	General Program Support
Proposal Type	Discipline-Based
Funding Category	Level 2
Discipline	Museum
Applicant is requesting REDI waiver	N/A
Residency Contact Hours	N/A
Proposal Synopsis	Explorations V plays a central role in building a creative class and improving the quality of life of the community via imaginative, hands-on exhibits, educational programs and outreach events based in the arts & sciences. Children & families are making measurable gains in school readiness skills and financial health & literacy. The Children’s Museum will extend creative experiences to more children & families of all abilities & backgrounds and provide for Museum audiences, staff & contents.

Applicant Information

Item	Response
Corporate Name	Explorations V Children's Museum, Inc.
DBA Name	N/A
Federal Employer ID	59-2994883
Principal Address	109 North Kentucky Avenue Lakeland, FL 33801-5044
County	Polk
Applicant Email Address	gcarlton@explorationsv.com
Grant Contact	Georgann Carlton, CEO
Authorized Official	Georgann Carlton, CEO
Website	www.explorationsv.com

Mission Statement

Explorations V Children's Museum provides a hands-on, fun-filled adventure in learning for children & families! We stimulate the child in all ages by fostering creativity & encouraging imaginative play together. We celebrate the five (V) senses & make an educational exploration available to all via 3 floors of interactive exhibits & programs in the arts & sciences, reinforcing a life-long love of learning!

Proposal Description

Exploration’s V is the only fully hands-on, interactive children’s museum in Polk County and nearby counties. Open 6 days a week, M-Sat, from 9-5:30 year-round, the Children’s Museum was founded in 1991 on the premise that children, like adults, use all five senses to explore and learn about the world around them, hence the “V” in our name. Children leave the adult centered world behind and step into a place specially designed for them. Parents and caregivers become playmates & mentors while the child’s imagination takes hold. The Museum partners with Florida Southern College’s Early Childhood Department, University of Florida’s Research Center, several United Way of Central Florida’s early childhood & family initiatives, provides programs 1 day/week offsite at Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine for the working poor, complements Florida Sunshine State Standards and serves as a field trip destination for school systems in several Florida counties, home-school families, daycares, scout groups, members, walk-in traffic and tourists. This journey of discovery is geared to children ages birth through twelve and their families. Admission fees are $7 per person effective June 1, 2011 and Family Memberships begin at $70/year.

I. Goals
Explorations V Children’s Museum is a key partner in Lakeland’s vision of becoming a vibrant, culturally inclusive, world-class community. We help children develop essential foundational skills, light a creative spark for lifelong learning & are a popular neutral environment for those of differing abilities/incomes/backgrounds. The Museum shares local/county cultural tourism dollars, has regional/multi-county cultural relationships, & partnerships with the Cultural Arts Board, Polk Arts Alliance, Lakeland Chamber, Downtown Development Authority, Visitors & Convention Bureau, local government TV & private businesses. The Museum owns/maintains a 4-story, 1929 historic Kress building located in downtown Lakeland, exhibits year round with special events & programs after-hours. MAP 1 completed: 9/02.

1. To strengthen the economy of a vibrant community through creative marketing strategies to heighten awareness for & increase attendance to the Museum’s creative, compelling, fun, interactive exhibits, programs & events for children & families.

2. To promote learning & wellness through quality, educational exhibits, programs, special events & community outreach efforts, helping children build foundational skills, encouraging healthy choices & a life-long love of learning!

3. To support local & regional visioning strategies to develop future leaders by improving school readiness skills, providing quality preschool & elementary school out-of-school experiences through hands-on exhibits & programs, serving as an early introduction to all the arts.

4. To advance design & development by preserving the past while promoting the future through proper care & development of the historic Kress building, including the exhibits, audiences, staff & contents of the Museum.

5. To embrace children & families of all cultures, abilities, & economic levels enriching their lives through the innovative hands-on learning experiences of the Museum.

II. Objectives

1. Develop community & state partnerships for the education, exhibit, and marketing departments, sharing cultural resources, heightening awareness, promoting, strengthening & expanding the cultural offerings of Explorations V Children’s Museum.

2. Increase the total impact of admissions to exhibits, educational programs and outreach efforts for children & families by 3% over last fiscal year by premiering a new traveling exhibit along with related educational programming & marketing efforts.

3. Pursue and secure funding through grants and/or sponsorships to maintain, present & preserve the historic Kress building (built in 1929) and the Children’s Museum’s educational & cultural exhibits & programs, audiences and staff.

4. Increase the number of underserved, at-risk and minority children & families served by the Museum’s engaging exhibits & programs.

5. Actively partner and participate in local, regional and state planning efforts.

III. Activities

1. Refresh website and social media reach for broader, exciting/engaging on-line appeal. Update/reprint Museum brochures as needed, purchase radio/TV air-time, run cultural events/program ads (Int’l Day, Cinco de Mayo Day, Hisp./Latino publications, etc.) including art-based publications. Participate in outreach events and promote exhibits & programs to members/supporters via newsletters/web based promos & social networking.

2. Fall 2012 premier “State of the Art” a VSA National travelling exhibit featuring the art of children with disabilities.

3. Embrace children/families of all cultures/backgrounds/abilities/economic levels through grant funded and/or sponsored programs/scholarships/free admissions/memberships (out-of-school camps, education programs, free nights/events/admission passes distributed in community).

4. Share cultural resources with local/regional/statewide cultural organizations serving children/families (exhibits, reciprocal admissions/free memberships/passes, etc.).

5. Pursue funding sources to augment program & admission fees for preschool and school-age children giving them access to the diverse educational & cultural exhibits, events, field trips, workshops & take-home materials.

6. Expand innovative cultural events & programs with healthy family themes to increase awareness of the Museum’s exhibits & programs in minority populations (Chinese New Year, Black History Day, Int’l Day, Cinco de Mayo Day, etc.)

7. Raise in-kind/pledges/funds through grants/sponsorships/donations to secure operating funds necessary to meet escalating operating expenses while maintaining affordable admission, membership & program fees (Night at the Museum, Child Fest, Birthday Extravaganza, Event Sponsorships, Exhibit Sponsorships, etc.)

8. Contribute to local & regional visioning meetings/sessions/surveys & align applicable strategic goals.

Timeline: July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012

Culture Builds Florida's Future

1. Strengthening the Economy

   Every $1 the Museum receives from the State for marketing is routinely matched $5+ through partnerships with FL Travel & Lifestyles, Art-i-Facts magazine; Lakeland Ledger; Winter Haven News Chief, Orlando Sentinel; Polk County TV; Bay News 9, Fox 13 and Comcast promos; Central FL Tourism & Sports Marketing; Polk County Welcome Center on I4 & State Welcome Center on I75; Downtown Lakeland Partnership; Visit FL Cultural Heritage Grant; Lakeland Center’s BRAVO & Lakeland Community Theatre’s programs. This grant allows the Museum to expand print/media/on-line/on-air advertising to promote events, a new traveling exhibit, & improve the website & social networking.

   International relationships are threaded throughout programs & events, murals, and the exhibits/art featured in “O” is for Oranges From Seed To Our World. Explorations V helps to ensure arts & culture are included in growth plans by actively participating in Polk Vision & Lakeland Vision - the CEO is a graduate of Leadership Lakeland XIII, Leadership Polk 2009, and chairs the Leadership Lakeland Arts & Culture Day for the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce. The Museum partners to share cultural tourism dollars with the Museum of Science & Industry, Tampa; Lake Wales Arts Ctr; Mulberry Phosphate Museum; Winter Haven Library; FL Dance Theatre; Bok Tower Gardens; Lakeland Community Theatre; Lakeland Center, and in 2011 is traveling an exhibit, “Woodland Wonders Theatre” to the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach, etc. and offers reciprocal privileges to children’s museums in Naples, Davie, Highlands County, etc.

   With these efforts, Explorations V will strengthen the economy of a vibrant community through creative marketing strategies & partnerships intended to broaden awareness for & increase the public impact of the Museum’s creative, compelling, fun, interactive exhibits, programs & events for children & families.

   The Museum plans to retain/build the investment fund est’d 2003, investment/cash equivalents at $229,663 at 6/30/10.

2. Learning and Wellness

   The Museum promotes learning & wellness through exhibits, programs, events & outreach efforts, helping children make healthy choices & feel comfortable in a global society, building foundational skills & encouraging a life-long love of learning. In 2011 The Museum joined the First Lady’s initiative, “Let’s Move Museums & Gardens!” America’s move to raise a healthier generation of kids.

   Learning & Wellness is threaded throughout quality programs conducted 6 days/week onsite and weekly off site, featured during Polk Co. Family Week as well as Children’s Month (April); is the focus of a 2008 permanent health exhibit installation, "Marvelous Me," is the constant theme of the Museum’s educational programs featured on the PBS SPROUT Show online program and in the Assn of Children’s Museum’s Good To Grow publication & Healthy Happenings. Health & nutrition are emphasized weekly in Wacky Wednesday Cup Cooking Classes for children & families. Out-of-school camp programs incorporate outdoor play/fitness into each day's schedule & make-your-own healthy snacks.

   Model Programs are presented weekly off-site for underserved children/families, caregivers & Pre K teachers at the Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine Bldg.

   The Museum partners with numerous agencies including the Central FL Autism Institute, VSA Arts & Heartland for Children to remove accessibility barriers & expose children and families to cultural concepts, programs & exhibits in a non-threatening, hands-on, accessible environment. The Museum presents at the FL Assn of Museums on exhibit design, education programs & facility management. Through a partnership with the United Way a new exhibit was designed & installed in 2009 - “The Born Learning Trail” – fosters early learning through every day teaching moments between child & caregiver via 10 colorful, interactive stations throughout the Museum.

   Grants are routinely pursued for scholarships & free/reduced admissions for workshops, out-of-school camps & field trips for foster children, underserved & diverse populations.

3. Building Leadership

   The Museum received the 2010 “Golden Swan” Award by the Downtown Lakeland Partnership, is a 2010 & 2011 Blue Star Museum participant with National Endowment for the Arts & carries ongoing leadership roles - Director of Education is Polk Family Week liaison; Marketing/PR Director is Rochelle School of the Arts Student Action Committee Member; CEO is Leadership Polk & Leadership Lakeland Alumni and Arts & Culture Day Chair, Cultural Arts Board Member & Past President, a member of Jr. League Advisory Board & United Way Directors Council. P. Kasprazak - 2010 Outstanding Arts Volunteer by Polk Arts Alliance; E. Kleissler, Dir. Exhibits & Facilities – 2009 FAM Outstanding New Professional; A. Watson, Manager Visitor Services - 2008 ACM’s Diversity in Action Award; M. O’Brien – 2006 & 2007 Disney VoluntEars Award; Former Board Member Dr. D. Henricks - 2007 Outstanding Arts Volunteer by PAA for Swansation Project for Explorations V.

   Public/private partnerships are routine, ie: the Museum is landlord to Crisper’s Restaurant Corporate Offices & Learning Time, Inc. for top floor leases; enjoyed the free use of a 2007 Subaru Vehicle Wrapped by Sponsor Central FL Eurocars for 2 years; numerous public/private Exhibit & Event Sponsorships including Publix, Bank of America, Disney, Community Foundation, etc.

   Overlapping cultural partnerships are ongoing including VISIT FL’s Downtown & Small Towns tour; Art & Architecture Media Tour; Travel Writer Tours; Historic Lakeland Tours; VISIT FL’s Downtown Lakeland Day & Night, etc.

   The Museum is active with Polk Vision & Lakeland Vision and is a Community Stakeholder for City of Lakeland Annual Planning Retreats. Museum programs support local & regional visioning strategies to develop future leaders by improving school readiness skills, providing quality preschool & elementary out-of-school experiences through hands-on exhibits & programs, serving as an early introduction to all the arts. The Teen Volunteer Program reaches & trains local high school students, some of whom are later hired as Museum Staff.

4. Design and Development

   The Museum will continue to advance design & development by preserving the past while promoting the future by seeking grants, sponsorships & public & private partnerships to provide proper care & development of the historic Kress building, including the exhibits, audiences, staff & contents of the Children’s Museum and new cultural traveling exhibits.

   Explorations V Children’s Museum reused and renovated an existing building when it purchased the vacant 4-story, 1929 historic Kress building & with the help of volunteers, contributions and later a $300,000 State of Florida Cultural Facilities Grant, restored & renovated the historic building. The Children’s Museum operates on 3 floors and leases the top floor as affordable rental space.

   The Museum serves as host for various art displays, exhibiting Polk County Family Week's Art Contest Winners in the Museum's Dreamers Gallery, the Winter & Spring After School With the Arts & Sciences Talent Showcases, and works of children’s art from the Museum’s permanent collection. The gallery has hosted visual art exhibits from VSA of Florida and Lion’s Clubs International and in 2012 will be host to the traveling exhibit “State of the Art” from VSA National.

   Explorations V Children’s Museum supports art in public places - Swansation was 2002-03 community outdoor art project conducted by the Board of Directors of Explorations V Children’s Museum. Sixty-two (5’) fiberglass swans with original designs by Florida artists covered downtown Lakeland. Swans are permanently displayed throughout the city in prominent locations including the Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, Lakeland Regional Hospital, banks and law firms. The Museum’s Board Fundraising team went on to run the City’s Kaleidoscope Butterfly project raising funds for Lakeland’s first all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities which premiered in 2008. A magnificent six foot Butterfly was donated to the Children’s Museum and "Wings of Exploration" permanently flutters off the Museum’s 2nd floor mezzanine.

Proposal Estimates

Estimated Number of	Response	Instructions to the Applicant
school based youth benefiting	9,287	Enter the number of individuals under the age of 18 that are expected to be participating in organized school based cultural events. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
non-school based youth benefiting	48,030	Enter the number of individuals under the age of 18 that are expected to be participating in non-school based cultural events. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
elders benefiting	3,454	Enter the number of individuals over the age of 65 that are expected to benefit from the proposal activities. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
artists participating	19	Enter the estimated number of professional artists that will be directly involved in providing artistic services specifically identified with the proposal. Include living artists whose work is represented in an exhibition regardless of whether the work was provided by the artist or by an institution. This figure should reflect a portion of the total individuals benefiting.
individuals benefiting	98,000	Give the total number of individuals that are expected to be involved in proposal activities as artists, non-artists, participants, or audience members. This number should include the values listed for youth, elders and artists.
proposal events	654	How many different events will be produced or presented within the grant period as a part of this proposal? Be sure to list different events, not performances. For example, a musical performed 10 times is only one event, but a musical performed 10 times and workshop done once are two events.
opportunities for public participation	996	Each event will have one or more opportunities for public participation. For example a musical performed 10 times is one event with 10 opportunities for public participation.

Project/Program Location

• Polk

Proposal Impact

The Museum receives field trips from Hillsborough, Orange, Osceola & Seminole Counties, out of state visitors and international tourists. The primary target is Polk County.
One in five Polk County children live in poverty (United Way of Central FL). Polk had the lowest scores in the state on school readiness assessments with only 37% of children demonstrating kindergarten readiness. (Early Learning Coalition of Polk, 2006) 60% of students qualify for Free/Reduced Lunches. (Superintendent Nichols). 29% of 3rd graders read below grade level (Polk County School Board 2006 (PCSB). Children who start behind stay behind…and get frustrated and drop out of school. Dropout rates in Polk County exceed the state’s average (PCSB 2006).

Children & families in Museum programs are demonstrating measurable gains in school readiness and financial literacy programs. The Children’s Museum has become a vital force in our community and our impact continues to swell. Total Audience includes those served through admissions, educational programs & outreach efforts. Admissions are most accurately tracked & were at 6/30/10: 52% children, 46% adults, 2% seniors. Admissions Visitor Hometown surveys: 74% Lakeland, 16% other towns in Polk County, 8% other Florida towns, 1.6% other States, & .4% from other countries.

Population Group | Caucasian | African American | Hispanic | Source

Total Population of Polk County | 524,389 | 78% | 13% | 9% | 10/05 US Census

Total Population of Lakeland | 87,860 | 73% | 21% | 6% | 10/05 US Census

Total Audience Explorations V | 95,443 | 75% | 13% | 12% | FYE 6/30/10

Visitor income surveys indicate 44% of visitor and 36% member households reported incomes at or below poverty level.

Explorations V's TOTAL DIFFERENT PROGRAMS is high. A qualified education team (1 director/3 coordinators) sets a different theme per month, focus per week, different curricula per day, per age group on-site, and presents different weekly programs off-site. Outside artists present programs resulting in an average of 10 different, unique programs presented weekly, more during special events. Multi-disciplinary immersion programs are geared to children from birth-12 & their families. This series is designed, developed & presented every week: Magical Mondays– PreK Literacy; Terrific Tuesdays–School Readiness; Tuesday’s Open Art Studio; Wacky Wednesdays- children’s culinary arts; Thrilling Thursdays-Early science & math, Fun Fridays – Creative Art, & Super Science Saturdays. After School with the Arts & Sciences, Walk-In Workshops & out-of-school camps spark emerging interests & talent. Programs complement exhibits & serve to further the visitor’s knowledge. Free days/nights & scholarships provide access for underserved families/groups. Major Events include the annual Children’s Festival, Birthday X-travaganza, Martin Luther King Day, Boo Bash, Ancestors & Heroes Day, International Day, Dr. Suess’s Birthday and much more. Guest artists & performers are highlights, donors keep admission fees at regular prices or lower & dedicated staff & volunteers provide educational activities indoors & out.

Outreach programs include free activities in nearby Munn Park, health fairs & festivals, “Teach-Ins," and city/county/area recreation & non-profit programs & celebrations. When schools can’t come to Explorations V, the Museum travels with exhibits-in-a-trunk or programs. Teachers may reserve an education trunk at no cost to enhance their curriculum or prepare for field trips. Topics, based on Museum exhibits, vary from Sense of Wonder (disability awareness), to Space, Asia & Africa.

Thirty-five interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore a variety of disciplines. “O” is for Oranges – from Seed to Our World on the lower floor integrates the home life components of Africa, Australia, Asia, and the U.S. “Our Town” on the first floor features engaging exhibits offering the basics of music appreciation, art history, theatre, math, history, health & science. The 2nd floor offers Science Explorations, traveling exhibits, a children’s art gallery, & program rooms.

Operating Budget

	Operating Expenses	Completed Fiscal Year ending 6/30/10
1.	Personnel: Administrative	177,475
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	46,936
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	31,866
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	48,875
6.	Space Rental, Rent or Mortgage	25,040
7.	Travel	901
8.	Marketing	7,709
9.	Remaining Operating Expenses	138,657
A.	Total Cash Expenses	$477,459
B.	In-kind Contributions	$53,051
C.	Total Operating Expenses	$530,510
	Operating Income	Completed Fiscal Year ending 6/30/10
10.	Revenue: Admissions	177,506
11.	Revenue: Contracted Services
12.	Revenue: Other	103,851
13.	Private Support: Corporate	51,538
14.	Private Support: Foundation	107,645
15.	Private Support: Other	13,367
16.	Government Support: Federal
17.	Government Support: State/Regional
18.	Government Support: Local/County	18,210
19.	Applicant Cash	5,342
D.	Total Cash Income	$477,459
B.	In-kind Contributions	$53,051
E.	Total Operating Income	$530,510

Additional Operating Budget Information

The Museum maintains a mortgage note payable on the 27,830sf historic Kress building purchased 12/98. It received donations from the County and the City towards the purchase as well as an annual allocation from the City’s cultural fund. The note is refinanced every 5 years and is currently at 7¼%, $2,786 per month, principal & interest. The Museum chooses a set payment with balloon as most manageable for a limited operating budget. The balance on June 30, 2010 was $336,052. The City retains a second security interest in the event the building is sold and the Museum is seeking a release from this restriction and pursuing refinancing.

Applicant cash is from pledges receivable & quarterly distributions from investments. Other Revenue is impacted by fluctuations in top floor lease agreements. The Museum is planning for future expansion as this space becomes available.

A passionate board collectively functions in Policy, Fund Development, Financial, Oversight & Strategic Planning. A new Strategic Plan was approved March 2010 along with Whistle Blower, Document Destruction, Code of Ethics and Gift Acceptance Policies.

Proposal Budget: Summary

	Proposal Expenses	A. Request	B. Cash Expenses	C. In-kind	Total
1.	Personnel: Administrative	10,000	178,123	0	$188,123
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	8,051	41,701	25,000	$74,752
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	25,000	9,691	0	$34,691
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	0	0	0	$0
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	0	59,478	0	$59,478
6.	Space Rental	0	25,000	0	$25,000
7.	Travel	0	3,600	0	$3,600
8.	Marketing	10,000	10,000	110,000	$130,000
9.	Remaining Proposal Expenses	0	164,000	44,000	$208,000
D.	Total Proposal Expenses	53,051	491,593	179,000	$723,644
	Proposal Income	A. Request	B. Cash Income	C. In-Kind	Total
10.	Revenue: Admissions		210,593		210,593
11.	Revenue: Contracted Services		0		$0
12.	Revenue: Other		21,000		21,000
13.	Private Support: Corporate		100,000		100,000
14.	Private Support: Foundation		100,000		100,000
15.	Private Support: Other		25,000		25,000
16.	Government Support: Federal		0		$0
17.	Government Support: Regional		0		$0
18.	Government Support: Local/County		35,000		35,000
19.	Applicant Cash		0		$0
E.	Total Proposal Income	53,051	491,593	179,000	$723,644

Proposal Budget: Detail

	Proposal Expenses	A. Request	B. Cash Expenses	C. In-Kind	Total
1.	Personnel: Administrative	10,000	178,123	0	$188,123
1.1. PR/Marketing Director		10,000	24,755	0	34,755
1.2. CEO, Ed/Ops Dir, Flr Staff		0	132,678	0	132,678
1.3. Payroll Taxes/Benefits		0	20,690	0	20,690
2.	Personnel: Programmatic	8,051	41,701	25,000	$74,752
2.1. Educ Coords-Wkly Programs		8,051	41,701	25,000	74,752
3.	Personnel: Technical/Production	25,000	9,691	0	$34,691
3.1. Exhibit & Facilities Director		25,000	9,691	0	34,691
4.	Outside Fees and Services: Programmatic	0	0	0	$0
5.	Outside Fees and Services: Other	0	59,478	0	$59,478
5.1. Acctg/Audit/Janitorial, etc.		0	59,478	0	59,478
6.	Space Rental	0	25,000	0	$25,000
6.1. Kress Bldg. Mortgage Int.		0	25,000	0	25,000
7.	Travel	0	3,600	0	$3,600
7.1. Travel & Lodging		0	3,600	0	3,600
8.	Marketing	10,000	10,000	110,000	$130,000
8.1. TV/Print Advertising Match		0	0	110,000	110,000
8.2. Ads/Brochure/Nwsltr/Flyer/Web		10,000	10,000	0	20,000
9.	Remaining Proposal Expenses	0	164,000	44,000	$208,000
9.1. Exhibits/Progs/Insur/Util/Maint/Postage/Fr'g, etc.		0	164,000	44,000	208,000
D.	Total Proposal Expenses	53,051	491,593	179,000	$723,644

	Proposal Income	A. Request	B. Cash Income	C. In-Kind	Total
10.	Revenue: Admissions		210,593		$210,593
10-1 Ch/Ad Admissions/Field Trips			109,925		109,925
10-2 Mbrshp/Progs/Wkshps/Parties			100,668		100,668
11.	Revenue: Contracted Services		0		$0
12.	Revenue: Other		21,000		$21,000
12-1 Kress Rental Income			11,000		11,000
12-2 Store Sales			10,000		10,000
13.	Private Support: Corporate		100,000		$100,000
13-1 Grants/Exh Spons/Brd FR'g			100,000		100,000
14.	Private Support: Foundation		100,000		$100,000
14-1 Grants/Exh Spons/Brd FR'g			100,000		100,000
15.	Private Support: Other		25,000		$25,000
15-1 Grants/Exh Spons/Brd FR'g			25,000		25,000
16.	Government Support: Federal		0		$0
17.	Government Support: Regional		0		$0
18.	Government Support: Local/County		35,000		$35,000
18-1 City Cultural Funding			35,000		35,000
19.	Applicant Cash		0		$0
E.	Total Proposal Income	53,051	491,593	179,000	$723,644

Additional Proposal Budget Information

Admissions - The Museum will implement a price increase eff. 6/1/11 - $7 per person and $70 for annual Family membership (last increase occurred 5 years ago; many discounts apply; annually 20% admissions are free; the Museum routinely pursues grants for scholarships and free admissions).

Local Gov't Support - The City increased tha Museum's Cultural Assistance Fund allocation in 2011. The Museum's CEO was placed on the Cultural Assistance Fund Committee to establish a plan for sustainability.

Other Revenue - Due to the effects of a poor economy, renters have cut leases to half the space and or half the year. The Museum is working towards increased earned income, planning for new Museum operations in the space occupied by tenants, and seeking new tenants.

Fiscal Condition and Sustainability

Fiscal Condtion - Visitor cost is supplemented by 50% or more with grants, fundraisers & contributed income. The decline in State funding from $44,000 to 0 to $2,737 along with declines in donations & fluctuating lease agreements results in the Museum borrowing on the Line of Credit (LOC) - $25,000 – which the Museum pays off by June 30. Board & staff developed a “signature” fundraising event for the Museum’s 20th birthday spring 2011, netting $20,000 and has named it an annual event. They also lead the successful public art project, “Swansation,” netting $290,000 for Explorations V. Board policy restricts these funds except in dire circumstances, to insure sustainability. The operating budget receives a distribution of $10-12,000 annually. Investments & cash equivalents at 6/30/10 were $229,663 and net asset balance was $1,029,913. There have been no findings or recommendations in annual audits consistently since FYE 2007.

Sustainability - The Museum’s relationships with private, corporate & media donors as well as hundreds of community partnerships are all keys to sustainability. For 20 years it has received contributions in-kind valued at more than $100,000 annually. Publix, Bank of America, Disney, United Way and the Community Foundation are a few providing ongoing program support; Bay News 9 renewed a 5 year contract for exhibit sponsorship eff. 6/11 and the Lakeland Ledger recently awarded the Museum $25,000 (750 column inches) of free advertising. Successful pilot programs attract paying students & other donors.

Demand for the Museum continues to escalate–calendar year 2010 saw the third highest annual admissions in our 20 year history. Current fiscal year trends the highest number of program attendees in our history. With 3 floors of kid-powered exhibits & programs, Explorations V is uniquely qualified to provide high quality experiences & has potential for further growth in its four-story building.

Evaluation Plan

The Museum closely monitors, analyzes & reports the success of programs, events, exhibits & marketing efforts. Admission & cultural tallies, program participation, verbal comments, surveys & budget comparisons are tracked monthly & annually and comparative reports are analyzed by both staff & Board. The Museum conducts pre/post testing on new exhibits & programs & analyzes media reviews & paid/free admission counts/coupons. Findings are used to assess & revise programs, events, exhibits & marketing efforts to ensure audience needs are met.

• Artistic/Program Excellence: Daily Child/Adult Participant Program Evaluations, Media Reviews

• Admissions to Programs, Events & Exhibits: Daily/Annual Attendance Comparisons, Surveys/Verbal Comments

• Membership: Annual/Quarterly Comparisons, Written Comments

• Audience Reach: Cultural Tracking; Hometown Tracking; Media Distribution Counts; Web-site stats

• Audience Appeal: Observation, Child’s Play & Visitor & Teacher Surveys/Evaluations of exhibits & programs

Evaluation includes accolades: the Museum received the 2010 “Golden Swan” award from the Downtown Lakeland Partnership and P. Kasprazak was named 2010 Outstanding Arts Volunteer by Polk Arts Alliance. In 2008/2009 the Florida Association of Museum’s Outstanding New Professional Award went to E. Kleissler, Director of Exhibits & Facilities and the Association of Children’s Museum’s Diversity in Action Award to A. Watson, Visitor Services Manager. The Museum receives Disney’s Shine On Awards; Disney’s VoluntEar Awards; the "Hats Off To Reading” Program was featured on the AAM website; is an annual Nickelodeon's Parent's Picks Nominee; and was featured in the Spring Exhibitionist Journal for "Mega Mike" exhibit's innovative green design. Past awards included Association of Children’s Museum’s Met Life Promising Practice Honorable Mention for best practices for educational programming and a Local Legacy for the Library of Congress Bicentennial Project, part of the American Folklife Center collections.

Applicant Accessibility

Question	Response
Does the applicant have policies and procedures (including a complaint process) that address non-discrimination on the basis of disability?	Yes
Does the applicant have a staff person that is responsible for compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Statutes 553?	Yes (Eddie Kleissler)
Has the applicant completed the Section 504 Self Evaluation Workbook from the National Endowment for the Arts (linked) in the last 5 years?	Yes

Accessibility

Since 1994, international themes have been threaded through the Children’s Museum’s stairway murals, exhibits, programs, traveling trunks, outreach efforts & special events. The exhibit "O” is for Oranges from Seed to Our World helps visitors of all ages, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic levels understand and appreciate different cultures. Set in the fun, neutral setting of a Florida orange grove, the exhibit takes children & families around the world through the story of an orange from seed to the home-life of the United States, Africa, Asia & Australia. It includes a floor-to-ceiling world map which inspires conversation between children & adults. In recent years the Museum has twice served as host to the International Lions Peace Poster exhibit featuring the award winning art of children from all over the globe.

To reach a wider audience, new & refurbished exhibits are loaned as travelling exhibits to Museums & Libraries. “Woodland Wonders Theatre," a puppet & performance theatre with a Florida woodlands theme has excited the community with hand painted backgrounds & interactive features allowing the child to control the scenery, lighting & stage direction. ADA standards & the design parameters of “Design Standards for Children’s Environments” by Linda Cain Roth are used as guidelines when creating new exhibits. The exhibit traveled to Lake Wales Art Center and is currently on loan to the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach.

The Museum partnered with United Way to integrate a “Born Learning Trail” throughout our exhibit areas. The “Born Learning Trail” is a national public engagement campaign to encourage parents & caregivers to create early learning opportunities through play & the exploration of everyday objects.

Exhibits are accessible to all with limited reading, speech, mobility, vision and hearing. Numerous field trips for special needs children/adults visit regularly. The hands-on exhibits of Explorations V are particularly beneficial to special needs children/adults who learn from immersion experiences; Explorations V hosted Summer Camps 2009 and again in 2010 in collaboration with Central Florida Autism Institute. In the past three years the Museum has hosted travelling art exhibits of both Florida VSA (Very Special Arts) and National VSA, organizations committed to displaying the artwork of children with disabilities and will do so again in 2012. Museum historical tracking shows a significant increase in minority admissions over the past five years from 13.4% in 2005 to 23.9% in 2010.

Non-English speaking visitors & those who don't read are comfortable since most exhibits are self-explanatory & accompanying signage, some bi-lingual, is presented in simple visual/written format. The Museum is working on standard signage combining photographs for non-readers with simple bilingual wording to assist adults in applying exhibit offerings to their child’s daily life skills as recommended by MAP 1.

Educational programs, ie: Well Read! (pre-school literacy program for underserved children) and “Me, Too!" (inclusive program for families living with autism) use art, music, literacy & science activities to focus on crucial developmental skills while modeling appropriate practices & language for teachers/caregivers/other agencies. Out-of-school programs feature common ground activities & conflict resolution lessons. As partner in “Bridge the Gap to School Readiness,” the Museum conducts free programs for underserved families every Wednesday at the Volunteers in Medicine Building.

When the Museum first installed exhibits in the Kress building, an ADA self-evaluation was completed - Sept. 2000. In 2006/07 VSA Executive Director Marion Winters presented sensitivity training to the team. With the hire of an Exhibits & Facility Director Aug. 2007, a new ADA assessment began and is ongoing with the installation of any new exhibit or facility modification. A full ADA Self Evaluation was completed May 20, 2010 and all associated activities funded by this proposal will be accessible and welcoming to all audiences.

Support Materials
Cover Sheet

Organization name: Explorations V Children’s Museum
FEIN: 592994883

ITEM NUMBER DESCRIPTION QUANTITY
--------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------
1. Letter from the CEO with Mission Statement 1

2. DVD – Culture Builds Florida’s Future 1 DVD

3. In Kind Donors – FY 2009-10 1 page

4. Artist's Résumés 10 résumés

5. Press and Partnerships 18 pages

6. Organization Chart 1

7. Board of Directors 1 page

8. Total Impact Chart 1

9. FY 2009-10 Admissions, Programming,
& Outreach Figures 8 pages

10. List of Key Works – Exhibits and Museum Floor Plan 7 pages

11. Letters of Support 17 Letters

12. Brochures and Postcards 5 items

13. Educational Programs 8 items

14. Long Range Plan 4 pages

15. IRS 501 (c) (3) Determination Letter 1 page