Grants Archive
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Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
September 19, 2024
Amount Requested$10,000.00
Address224 Lamm Street
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Louise Dickmeyer
CEO
Email hidden; Javascript is required.
Website
- Broaden Perspectives Through Art, Culture, Literature or Extracurricular Experiences
Proposal Information
Funds are Being Requested for:General Operating
Mission StatementTo ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic awe-inspiring environment.
Amount Requested$10,000.00
Program Budget$326,807.00
Organizational Budget$1,534,206.00
Relationship to the Olseth Family FoundationYes
Summarize Your RequestPROJECT SUMMARY:
The CMSM multi-year expansion to create a 3.5-acre campus and a new nature-based play experience is PROJECT SUMMARY:
The CMSM multi-year expansion to create a 3.5-acre campus and a new nature-based play experience is well underway. The Museum has final designs of the building addition and 1.5-acre nature playscapes and has quantified construction costs. CMSM contracted ISG architectural firm and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds of Toronto, Ontario to design the spaces. The total cost of the project now stands at $31M.
As we embark on the next phase of our expansion, we will work with Eide Bailly to prepare independent projections post expansion. This grant will underwrite this contract that will encompass:
• Assistance in establishing an annual forecast through expansion to include periods through projected construction end date plus 3 years
• Forecast to include balance sheet and cash flow projections
• Scenarios evaluated, including 3 possible phases of construction
• Work with management to determine the drivers and assumptions needed to project operations post-construction
• Virtual attendance at a board meeting (if desired) to review the forecast
NATURE BASED PLAY: Research shows time spent in nature, coupled with outdoor risky play, are key to encouraging resilience, emotional and physical health, and creative thinking in children. Led by nature play experts Adam and Jill Bienenstock, the Bienenstock training team includes recreation spe¬cialists, horticulturists, therapists, early childhood educa¬tors, and landscape architects and designers, who are all united by a common passion for nature education. Their relentless desire to advocate for nature education means there is no boundary they will not push when it comes to fostering nature-rich learning and play opportunities for all ages and abilities. Guiding principles include: Play is unstructured, self-directed, and creative, not prescriptive. Play is built on a backbone of real, raw, nature. Bugs, birds, dirt, hills, rocks, water, and trees are the good stuff. Bumps, bruises and scrapes are celebrated. There are four seasons; we play in all of them. We must all be compelled to move. We will engage all of our senses. We must create obstacles, increase risk, and decrease hazards. Size matters; we all deserve to feel small next to an ancient tree or huge next to a challenge. You will hear laughter.
BUILDING ADDITION: ISG’s designed building expansion includes the new Center for Childhood and Sensory Space, expanded Baby Play Porch, Studio for camps, new Loose Parts Play Hub, permanent butterfly house and greenhouse, as well as renovation to the existing building including a new indoor water feature, new, safer entrance, and added family restrooms.
The Bienenstock and ISG final designs have been produced in a 3D fly-through of the existing building, addition and outdoor nature playscape. This videography is an important tool depicting this one-of-a-kind experience for the region.
well underway. The Museum has final designs of the building addition and 1.5-acre nature playscapes and has quantified construction costs. CMSM contracted ISG architectural firm and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds of Toronto, Ontario to design the spaces. The total cost of the project now stands at $31M.
As we embark on the next phase of our expansion, we will work with Eide Bailly to prepare independent projections post expansion. This grant will underwrite this contract that will encompass:
• Assistance in establishing an annual forecast through expansion to include periods through projected construction end date plus 3 years
• Forecast to include balance sheet and cash flow projections
• Scenarios evaluated, including 3 possible phases of construction
• Work with management to determine the drivers and assumptions needed to project operations post-construction
• Virtual attendance at a board meeting (if desired) to review the forecast
NATURE BASED PLAY: Research shows time spent in nature, coupled with outdoor risky play, are key to encouraging resilience, emotional and physical health, and creative thinking in children. Led by nature play experts Adam and Jill Bienenstock, the Bienenstock training team includes recreation specialists, horticulturists, therapists, early childhood educators, and landscape architects and designers, who are all united by a common passion for nature education. Their relentless desire to advocate for nature education means there is no boundary they will not push when it comes to fostering nature-rich learning and play opportunities for all ages and abilities. Guiding principles include: Play is unstructured, self-directed, and creative, not prescriptive. Play is built on a backbone of real, raw, nature. Bugs, birds, dirt, hills, rocks, water, and trees are the good stuff. Bumps, bruises and scrapes are celebrated. There are four seasons; we play in all of them. We must all be compelled to move. We will engage all of our senses. We must create obstacles, increase risk, and decrease hazards. Size matters; we all deserve to feel small next to an ancient tree or huge next to a challenge. You will hear laughter.
BUILDING ADDITION: ISG’s designed building expansion includes the new Center for Childhood and Sensory Space, expanded Baby Play Porch, Studio for camps, new Loose Parts Play Hub, permanent butterfly house and greenhouse, as well as renovation to the existing building including a new indoor water feature, new, safer entrance, and added family restrooms.
The Bienenstock and ISG final designs have been produced in a 3D fly-through of the existing building, addition and outdoor nature playscape. This videography is an important tool depicting this one-of-a-kind experience for the region.
Overview of the Grant Request
Population Served102,000
Geographic Area ServedVisitors from 29 U.S. States and all of Minnesota
List Three Measurable Goals That This Funding Will Help You Achieve.1. Establish credible and accurate projections to support the future of the project.
2. Provide needed information and assurances to donors and the Board of Directors.
3. Guide the future of the CMSM operations ensuring a path to financial sustainability.
How Will You Accomplish These Goals?Work with the independent CPAs to develop the projections.
Share them with the Board of Directors and in donor solicitations.
Apply the findings to the current financial management and make needed adjustments.
Looking Forward, How Will You Measure These Goals?Implementation Plan
Start Date09/24/2024
End Date11/30/2024
Describe Most Significant Collaborations With Other Organizations And Efforts.Our access initiatives are some of the most significant collaborations which include:
In 2023 CMSM invested over $119,657.50 in access opportunities to families and organizations in our region. 2024 is on track to be significantly more of an investment.
Gateway to Play Museum Scholarships - Museum Membership available to families that experience barriers to Museum. Current GTP members = 1,029.
Sensory Awareness and Accessibility Playtimes - Quarterly opportunities for children with sensory challenges or other special needs and their families to experience the Museum.
Military Appreciation Events & Blue Star Museum Initiative - Free access for current and past military service members – along with their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
Impact Partners - The Museum engages in collaborative partnerships with child and family service organizations, non-profits and supporting organizations from throughout the community and extending into the Southern MN region. Impact Partners pass along information about Museum access opportunities with the families that they serve, as well as by providing more streamlined access to the Museum by sharing Free Family Admission Passes and connecting their families with Gateway to Play Museum Membership.
Highlights
COPAL of MN Immunization Clinic at the CMSM where they provide families with services.
Feeding Our Community Partners included 1000 Free Family Passes into their June and November Backpack Food boxes.
Mankato Family YMCA Brother/Sister Mentoring Program Activity Card - free admission for both child & mentor.
Collaborative programming with Wellshare International, Living Earth Center, Connections Shelter, Blue Earth County Human Services and Life Work Planning Center.
Engaging with Teenage Parent Program (TAPP). This introduces the teen parents in the group to our environment and we can assist them get signed up for Gateway to Play memberships or Gateway to Baby Play.
Supporting local high school Child Development classes. We provide a tour and opportunity to talk about our Play & Learning Framework and how we support children through their experience here at CMSM. We have worked with MAPS Central High School, Blue Earth Area Schools and USC Schools.
Partnering with the Family Literacy Class through Adult Basic Ed. Bringing them to our space, providing a tour and connecting them with opportunities to come and play with their children.
Created content for Greater Mankato Area United Way newsletter.
Greater Mankato Area United Way Reading Festival participant.
Hosted "Single Caregiver of Children Resource Fair" with Life-Works Planning Center and 19 different organizations and nonprofits supporting families in our region.
Taking Care of Your Teeth - Oral Health Care Screening events 4 times a year. Children can get an oral screening and we provide resources for referrals or prevention.
Hosting the Lake Crystal Lions Club KidsSight Vision Clinic. This program helps to find vision concerns early in children so referrals can be made and corrected before major needs arise.
Hosting Mankato YWCA New Families advisory group.
Support Professional Memberships - Museum memberships offer an opportunity for home visits and family support program professionals to accompany families In a comfortable, neutral location. Memberships held by Fernbrook Family Center Inc., Mankato Area Public Schools: Early Learning Dept., Blue Earth County Human Services, M.A.P.S Futures School and M.V.A.C. Head Start Home Visitors.
School Group Visits - Group Visits will all receive a 10% discount per student and 50% off discount for chaperones/staff. In 2023, 1007 adults and 3,235 students participated.
Museums for All - Through the national program, Museums for All, guests who do not want to participate or qualify for our Gateway to Play but have a SNAP card or WIC card can receive admission for the discounted price of $3.00 per immediate family member. 2024 admissions = 267 through July.
What Is The Projected Timeline For The Proposed Activities?We anticipate a 2-3 month process to complete the projections.
Supplemental Information
Board Members
Current Year Organizational Budget
Program Budget For Proposed Funding PeriodAudited Financials (if applicable)Signed-Final-Report-and-Financial-Statements-Electronic-copy.pdf
Other EntriesApproval StatusUnapproved
Children's Museum of Southern Minnesota
September 19, 2024
Amount Requested$10,000.00
224 Lamm Street
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Louise Dickmeyer
CEO
Email hidden; Javascript is required.
- Broaden Perspectives Through Art, Culture, Literature or Extracurricular Experiences
General Operating
To ignite the natural curiosity of every child through the power of play in a dynamic awe-inspiring environment.
$10,000.00
$326,807.00
$1,534,206.00
Yes
PROJECT SUMMARY:
The CMSM multi-year expansion to create a 3.5-acre campus and a new nature-based play experience is PROJECT SUMMARY:
The CMSM multi-year expansion to create a 3.5-acre campus and a new nature-based play experience is well underway. The Museum has final designs of the building addition and 1.5-acre nature playscapes and has quantified construction costs. CMSM contracted ISG architectural firm and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds of Toronto, Ontario to design the spaces. The total cost of the project now stands at $31M.
As we embark on the next phase of our expansion, we will work with Eide Bailly to prepare independent projections post expansion. This grant will underwrite this contract that will encompass:
• Assistance in establishing an annual forecast through expansion to include periods through projected construction end date plus 3 years
• Forecast to include balance sheet and cash flow projections
• Scenarios evaluated, including 3 possible phases of construction
• Work with management to determine the drivers and assumptions needed to project operations post-construction
• Virtual attendance at a board meeting (if desired) to review the forecast
NATURE BASED PLAY: Research shows time spent in nature, coupled with outdoor risky play, are key to encouraging resilience, emotional and physical health, and creative thinking in children. Led by nature play experts Adam and Jill Bienenstock, the Bienenstock training team includes recreation spe¬cialists, horticulturists, therapists, early childhood educa¬tors, and landscape architects and designers, who are all united by a common passion for nature education. Their relentless desire to advocate for nature education means there is no boundary they will not push when it comes to fostering nature-rich learning and play opportunities for all ages and abilities. Guiding principles include: Play is unstructured, self-directed, and creative, not prescriptive. Play is built on a backbone of real, raw, nature. Bugs, birds, dirt, hills, rocks, water, and trees are the good stuff. Bumps, bruises and scrapes are celebrated. There are four seasons; we play in all of them. We must all be compelled to move. We will engage all of our senses. We must create obstacles, increase risk, and decrease hazards. Size matters; we all deserve to feel small next to an ancient tree or huge next to a challenge. You will hear laughter.
BUILDING ADDITION: ISG’s designed building expansion includes the new Center for Childhood and Sensory Space, expanded Baby Play Porch, Studio for camps, new Loose Parts Play Hub, permanent butterfly house and greenhouse, as well as renovation to the existing building including a new indoor water feature, new, safer entrance, and added family restrooms.
The Bienenstock and ISG final designs have been produced in a 3D fly-through of the existing building, addition and outdoor nature playscape. This videography is an important tool depicting this one-of-a-kind experience for the region.
well underway. The Museum has final designs of the building addition and 1.5-acre nature playscapes and has quantified construction costs. CMSM contracted ISG architectural firm and Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds of Toronto, Ontario to design the spaces. The total cost of the project now stands at $31M.
As we embark on the next phase of our expansion, we will work with Eide Bailly to prepare independent projections post expansion. This grant will underwrite this contract that will encompass:
• Assistance in establishing an annual forecast through expansion to include periods through projected construction end date plus 3 years
• Forecast to include balance sheet and cash flow projections
• Scenarios evaluated, including 3 possible phases of construction
• Work with management to determine the drivers and assumptions needed to project operations post-construction
• Virtual attendance at a board meeting (if desired) to review the forecast
NATURE BASED PLAY: Research shows time spent in nature, coupled with outdoor risky play, are key to encouraging resilience, emotional and physical health, and creative thinking in children. Led by nature play experts Adam and Jill Bienenstock, the Bienenstock training team includes recreation specialists, horticulturists, therapists, early childhood educators, and landscape architects and designers, who are all united by a common passion for nature education. Their relentless desire to advocate for nature education means there is no boundary they will not push when it comes to fostering nature-rich learning and play opportunities for all ages and abilities. Guiding principles include: Play is unstructured, self-directed, and creative, not prescriptive. Play is built on a backbone of real, raw, nature. Bugs, birds, dirt, hills, rocks, water, and trees are the good stuff. Bumps, bruises and scrapes are celebrated. There are four seasons; we play in all of them. We must all be compelled to move. We will engage all of our senses. We must create obstacles, increase risk, and decrease hazards. Size matters; we all deserve to feel small next to an ancient tree or huge next to a challenge. You will hear laughter.
BUILDING ADDITION: ISG’s designed building expansion includes the new Center for Childhood and Sensory Space, expanded Baby Play Porch, Studio for camps, new Loose Parts Play Hub, permanent butterfly house and greenhouse, as well as renovation to the existing building including a new indoor water feature, new, safer entrance, and added family restrooms.
The Bienenstock and ISG final designs have been produced in a 3D fly-through of the existing building, addition and outdoor nature playscape. This videography is an important tool depicting this one-of-a-kind experience for the region.
102,000
Visitors from 29 U.S. States and all of Minnesota
1. Establish credible and accurate projections to support the future of the project.
2. Provide needed information and assurances to donors and the Board of Directors.
3. Guide the future of the CMSM operations ensuring a path to financial sustainability.
Work with the independent CPAs to develop the projections.
Share them with the Board of Directors and in donor solicitations.
Apply the findings to the current financial management and make needed adjustments.
09/24/2024
11/30/2024
Our access initiatives are some of the most significant collaborations which include:
In 2023 CMSM invested over $119,657.50 in access opportunities to families and organizations in our region. 2024 is on track to be significantly more of an investment.
Gateway to Play Museum Scholarships - Museum Membership available to families that experience barriers to Museum. Current GTP members = 1,029.
Sensory Awareness and Accessibility Playtimes - Quarterly opportunities for children with sensory challenges or other special needs and their families to experience the Museum.
Military Appreciation Events & Blue Star Museum Initiative - Free access for current and past military service members – along with their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.
Impact Partners - The Museum engages in collaborative partnerships with child and family service organizations, non-profits and supporting organizations from throughout the community and extending into the Southern MN region. Impact Partners pass along information about Museum access opportunities with the families that they serve, as well as by providing more streamlined access to the Museum by sharing Free Family Admission Passes and connecting their families with Gateway to Play Museum Membership.
Highlights
COPAL of MN Immunization Clinic at the CMSM where they provide families with services.
Feeding Our Community Partners included 1000 Free Family Passes into their June and November Backpack Food boxes.
Mankato Family YMCA Brother/Sister Mentoring Program Activity Card - free admission for both child & mentor.
Collaborative programming with Wellshare International, Living Earth Center, Connections Shelter, Blue Earth County Human Services and Life Work Planning Center.
Engaging with Teenage Parent Program (TAPP). This introduces the teen parents in the group to our environment and we can assist them get signed up for Gateway to Play memberships or Gateway to Baby Play.
Supporting local high school Child Development classes. We provide a tour and opportunity to talk about our Play & Learning Framework and how we support children through their experience here at CMSM. We have worked with MAPS Central High School, Blue Earth Area Schools and USC Schools.
Partnering with the Family Literacy Class through Adult Basic Ed. Bringing them to our space, providing a tour and connecting them with opportunities to come and play with their children.
Created content for Greater Mankato Area United Way newsletter.
Greater Mankato Area United Way Reading Festival participant.
Hosted "Single Caregiver of Children Resource Fair" with Life-Works Planning Center and 19 different organizations and nonprofits supporting families in our region.
Taking Care of Your Teeth - Oral Health Care Screening events 4 times a year. Children can get an oral screening and we provide resources for referrals or prevention.
Hosting the Lake Crystal Lions Club KidsSight Vision Clinic. This program helps to find vision concerns early in children so referrals can be made and corrected before major needs arise.
Hosting Mankato YWCA New Families advisory group.
Support Professional Memberships - Museum memberships offer an opportunity for home visits and family support program professionals to accompany families In a comfortable, neutral location. Memberships held by Fernbrook Family Center Inc., Mankato Area Public Schools: Early Learning Dept., Blue Earth County Human Services, M.A.P.S Futures School and M.V.A.C. Head Start Home Visitors.
School Group Visits - Group Visits will all receive a 10% discount per student and 50% off discount for chaperones/staff. In 2023, 1007 adults and 3,235 students participated.
Museums for All - Through the national program, Museums for All, guests who do not want to participate or qualify for our Gateway to Play but have a SNAP card or WIC card can receive admission for the discounted price of $3.00 per immediate family member. 2024 admissions = 267 through July.
We anticipate a 2-3 month process to complete the projections.
Signed-Final-Report-and-Financial-Statements-Electronic-copy.pdf
Unapproved