Question 1

Are you a non-profit organization?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are a 509a2 Non-profit Charitable Organization and all donations made to the Michigan Mineral Museum are tax deductible including bequests, devises, transfers and gifts.

Question 2

How much money are you trying to raise and what's the time frame to raise it?

Accepted Answer

$100,000 within 2 years.

Question 3

What happens to the money if you don't raise enough in time?

Accepted Answer

A few options: Extend the fundraiser (if we are close to goal and are still making progress) or donate it to another geological related non-profit. Once the non-profit status is approved, the board will determine what happens in this case. Once the non-profit is approved, we must pass along all funds to a different non-profit (to be named) per IRS regulations, if we cannot build the museum at the end of the term.

Question 4

What happens to the items that have been donated during the fundraiser if you cannot reach your goal?

Accepted Answer

They will be returned to the donor or passed along to another related non-profit, if the donor so chooses. This is required by the non-profit status.

Question 5

What happens to the items that are donated or procured after the museum opens, if it shuts down in the future?

Accepted Answer

All items would be passed along to a designated or several designated non-profits, per the IRS when we were granted our non-profit status.

Question 6

Are you looking for board members and/or volunteers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are happy to accept help from anyone that wants to see this museum happen. We are looking for board members with enough time to invest and a skill set to help make the museum a reality. Strong connections to the rock community are a must! Please contact us if you are interested in being on the board or a committee!

Question 7

Are you going to demolishing the rock shop to put this museum up?

Accepted Answer

No!! The rock shop will remain and will continue to grow. The museum will be located across the street from the main rock shop store.

Frequently asked questions