Geology Event Accomplishes Nonprofit Goals

I’m confident that events must be a critical part of any nonprofit’s business and marketing plan (See my blog: Meaningful Events Benefit Nonprofits – 7 Reasons Why!). This report explains how the Western Museum of Mining & Industry (WMMI) met several of its goals in hosting a Family Exploration Day associated with geology on January 14, 2012.

First: Obviously, geology is directly related to mining, and WMMI presented a terrific educational program related to this part of its mission.  In this picture, Geologist, and long time museum supporter, Steven Veatch relates to visitors with “hands-on” science demonstrations.

(Steven Veatch is prolific in research, publication and education associated with the science of Geology in the Pikes Peak Region. I encourage you all to visit his fascinating blog site: Colorado Earth Science.)


Second: This event allowed WMMI to add value to its beneficiaries. Many members attended, and the event allowed the museum to partner with other nonprofits with similar missions. Here, the Friends of the Florissant Fossil Beds (Friends) presented at the museum. This benefits the Friends organization by increasing the exposure of their remote facility, and benefits WMMI through association with a highly credible organization.

Third: This well-managed event provided a profitable revenue stream in ticket sales and it affirmed the financial support WMMI receives form the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society.  Individuals representing the Society were in attendance talking about their organization, doing hands-on demonstrations, and recruiting new members.

By delving into a facet of its mission in new ways, this event provided a diverse revenue stream from normal operations, and allowed WMMI to build and re-enforce key community relationships. This demonstrates a few of the ways nonprofits can achieve a return on investment from successful events.