Organized by M.U.S.E., Inc.
Help MUSE Fund Its Missions
Campaign Title: Help MUSE Unlock $500k for Arts & Historic Preservation
Target: $7,000
The Story:
We have reached a critical turning point, and we need help to unlock the future of work with an underserved community's history.
For the over two decades, the Museum of Universal Self Expression (MUSE, Inc.) has operated as a 100% volunteer-led, grassroots initiative. Driven by pure dedication, "sweat equity," and a belief in "joy as resistance," we have worked tirelessly to safeguard marginalized histories and create safe spaces for intergenerational art.
Xochequetzal Garden Art Program, Chicago 2010-2012
We’ve done the heavy lifting. We’ve built the community trust, laid the groundwork with our Open Studio Workshops, Ancestor Quilt Project at the American Indian Center in Chicago, Xochequetzal Garden Kids' Art Program and initiated the monumental task of restoring the historic, 22-acre Hollywood Cemetery in South Memphis—the resting place of blues legends, a few 1968 Sanitation Strikers, and community pioneers. We are also making a documentary about the Hollywood Cemetery Restoration Project.
But we have hit a ceiling on what volunteer passion alone can achieve.
To physically save Hollywood Cemetery from being lost to nature, we need heavy machinery, professional arborists, and ground-penetrating radar. To preserve the voices of our African American elders in Memphis and "Long-Term Survivors," we need professional art studio equipment and publishing resources.
In short, we are ready to scale our impact, and we have a strategy to secure $500,000 in major institutional grants to do it.
There is just one hurdle: the grant writing process for major federal and foundation funding is highly complex, fiercely competitive, and requires specialized professional expertise.
Why We Need $7,000 Now: The "Multiplier Effect"
We are raising $7,000 to hire a dedicated, professional grant writing team.
Why donate to pay a grant writer? Because your donation acts as a multiplier.
A $50 donation to this campaign isn't just $50; it is the seed funding that allows us to secure $5,000, $50,000, or even $100,000 in multiple foundation grants.
This $7,000 will directly cover the costs for a professional team to:
Research and identify high-yield national heritage and arts grants.
Draft, polish, and submit complex federal and philanthropic applications over the next 12 months.
Secure the $500,000 or more capitalization we need to permanently protect Hollywood Cemetery and fund our multidisciplinary arts programs.
Our Promise to You
We have already proven our commitment to this work when we had absolutely zero funding. Imagine what we can do with a fully capitalized organization. By helping us hire the right professionals, you are ensuring that the stories of our ancestors, our elders, and our marginalized creators are not lost to time.
You are not just funding administrative work; you are providing the key that unlocks the permanent preservation of our history.
Please consider donating to help MUSE transition from a grassroots passion project to a fully resourced, sustainable institution. If you cannot donate today, please share this campaign with your network!
For further information about the history and facts about MUSE, Inc. go to: Candid's GuideStar
With profound gratitude,
Diane Green
Executive Director, MUSE, Inc.
(and the entire volunteer team!)
You can make a difference by donating today to M.U.S.E., Inc..
Art programs, Book publishing, and Music recordings for underserved communities.
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