Smithsonian to seek donations

The Smithsonian Institution is preparing to launch its first broad appeal for private donations to help fill a funding gap that could be as high as $2 billion, members of the museum complex’s governing board said.

An immediate concern is a building maintenance backlog that threatens artifacts in museums and storage facilities. The Smithsonian insists that fixing the facilities is a congressional responsibility, but members of the institution’s Board of Regents said they had no choice but to look for other ways to close the deficit.

Smithsonian spokeswoman Linda St. Thomas said the museum also needs money for unfilled research positions and to update outdated exhibits.

About 70% of the Smithsonian’s $1.1-billion annual budget comes from the federal government. Private donations have typically been sought for specific projects or exhibits, but an official said there had never been a comprehensive capital campaign.

Board members said the fundraising campaign would probably have to wait until after a permanent leader for the Smithsonian is named.