Danforth Museum Receives Largest-Ever Donation
The Danforth Museum and School of Art in Framingham has received a $500,000 donation, the largest in its 37-year history. The anonymous donation comes as the museum has seen a seven-year growth in operations and contributed revenue.
The gift was unrestricted in usage, but trustees voted to dedicate it to capital projects, specifically, to help with its relocation from 123 Union Ave. to a town-owned building in Framingham Center.
"This represents a vote of confidence in what we are doing," said museum Director Katherine French, "and is particularly welcome as we consider relocation to a new facility."
Dealing with long-standing facilities issues, the Danforth trustees began considering the move to Framingham Center when the town issued a request for proposals issued for the municipally-owned building in May. It was approved by Framingham's Board of Selectmen, subject to negotiation of acceptable terms and final approval at Town Meeting.
In July the Danforth received a $30,000 Cultural Facilities grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to create a strategic site plan for the new location and has been working with Boston-based Ann Beha Architects on site planning.
Despite the economic downturn, the Danforth reports that museum attendance, membership and school enrollments have grown significantly. Before the $500,000 gift, it was expecting a 10-percent growth in contributions between 2007 and 2012. With the new donation factored in, the museum has seen 26 percent growth over that period of time.
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