Course Description:

An AASLH Small Museum Pro! Online Course

The establishment and management of endowment funds is a key source of institutional income and donor engagement for many museums. Many museum professionals and trustees, however, are less than confident in their understand of the components of endowment funds, and how best to effectively manage such funds for internal and external purposes. This course is designed to introduce students to the structure, benefits, and challenges of endowment fund management, from basic terms and definitions to topics such as impact investing and best practices.

Participant Outcomes:

At the end of this course you will: 

• Understand the basic structure of the endowment and best practices of fund management;
• Determine the process by which endowment spending supports operations and special projects;
• Comprehend the endowment and its relation to donor stewardship cultivation and stewardship;
• Consider impact investing options and advocacy.

Sample Curriculum:

Week 1: Course overview and introduction to endowments

Week 2: The endowment and financial planning

Week 3: The endowment and donor relations

Week 4: Strategies and recommendations for impact investing

Texts Used:

Required: Endowment Essentials for Museums, Rebekah Beaulieu, 2022.

Texts are NOT INCLUDED with your registration. You must order the book separately from the book seller of your choice. A discount code is provided after registration if ordering directly from Bloomsbury Publishing.

Details:

COURSE DATES: August 25 - September 21, 2025

COST: $199 AASLH Members / $299 Nonmembers / 10% discount for STEPS participants with promo code found in the online STEPS Community or by emailing learn@aaslh.org

OPEN REGISTRATION: June 16 – August 18, 2025 - 20 participant limit

Course Logistics:

FORMAT: Online, weekly-paced course

LENGTH: 4 weeks

PARTICIPATION STYLE: Weekly real-time online office hours; weekly assignments; final course assignment; Students should expect to spend 2-5 hours per week on the course.

MATERIALS: One recommended text; supplemental reading materials available and not required.

Who Should Take This Course:

Designed for trustees, museum professionals, and students considering museum careers, this course is for anyone who aims to build a skill set of financial knowledge. While especially relevant for institutional leaders, fundraisers, and financial professionals (or those who wish to attain such knowledge for the future), the course is intended for participants of all skill levels and backgrounds, regardless of financial responsibilities or knowledge.

Issues with registration? Please email learn@aaslh.org for assistance.