Scores and Comments

19.c.ps.170.363

DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, Inc.

Application Details
Proposal Type	General Program Support - Discipline-Based
Request Amount	$16,498
Total Score	562.000
Average Score	80.286

Panelist Scores

Panelist	Excellence	Impact	Management	Accessibility	Total
Baker Tiffany	31	25	17	10	83
Colvin Richard D.	25	20	10	7	62
johnson jeremy	34	24	17	8	83
Nagy Rebecca	32	24	16	10	82
Santiago Caroline	40	28	20	10	98
Tomor Michael	25	23	13	4	65
Wilson Jennifer	36	27	17	9	89

Comments
Baker Tiffany - Score: 83.000
Partnerships within the community seem to provide adequate support for the volunteer led organization. The commitment of the City related to fabrication is key. The reviewer is concerned about the fast implementation and fabrication of the exhibits in the project timeline and the ambiguity of project implementation is a concern. It appears that approximately three months has been reserved for the project itself which would be incredibly short for the scope of the project. While some prep work could be completed in advance, more time needs to be allowed to pivot for problems. More details are needed to clarify how the project will be completed with detailed information about who will implement and on what timeline. Because the personnel involved is largely unpaid, a well-cushioned timeline is key. Implementing training programs that serve both older volunteer mentors and their younger student volunteer mentees is a good way to serve various audiences with a single opportunity. More specific impact information is needed to indicate who the institution is specifically serving. There is reference to school groups in the application--how many schools visit each year? How many students are served? How is their experience evaluated at the museum? Post-program evaluations, even in the form of a paper questionnaire, would provide important guidance from the public. Reviewer would like more information regarding the various components of the project. How will the budget be allocated for displays versus marketing versus archival materials? Have the items to be preserved already been identified? The organization should be proud that they are able to take on a project of this size and scope. The volunteer commitment is impressive.
Colvin Richard D. - Score: 62.000
Concerns about sustainability
johnson jeremy - Score: 83.000
{No comments provided.}
Nagy Rebecca - Score: 82.000
This organization is 100 % volunteer run (with the exception of a tour guide funded by AARP) but has achieved sustainability by virtue of a 30 year lease from the city for its facility and a good track record of in-kind donations and engagement of high school and college students as interns. Visitor responses are enthusiastic. Programming is inclusive with emphasis on local stories, black service members and women in the military. The goal of new display materials and installations for a new facility coming on board is valid and merits support.
Santiago Caroline - Score: 98.000
Would have liked to see higher attendance figures for school based youth. It seems this connects not only to local history or Florida History, but World History and current events. There is a great opportunity to reach out to school teachers and administrators about their offerings.
Tomor Michael - Score: 65.000
The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, Inc. requests funding to be used for museum marketing, educational display signage, archival and memorabilia display supplies, materials and equipment, educational program materials and supplies. This request will coordinate with an additional museum building to be constructed in 2017-2018 which will provide additional public space for new displays and educational programs, events and fundraisers.The mission of DNASM is to educate the general public of both the benefits and cost of Liberty and Democracy by preserving artifacts, documents, books and military memorabilia to honor all Veterans. I really wanted to like this grant, but there are too many questions looming. I am interested in knowing who the Historian/Curator Volunteer is that will coordinate the displays of the new galleries for public tours and education. Volunteer run organizations are extremely rare and can be complicated if there is no evaluative means to determine qualifications of unpaid staff or oversight of planning and execution. Is there an active governing board? This reviewer is not finding a direct reference to any unpaid staff qualifications. I believe they must have forgotten to attach the Collection Summary with photos. It's hard to imagine how they display, secure, or educate from their collections. It appears they have archives and photography as well as vehicles, but the newsletters don't capture any of the 2D memorabilia or archives. Their impact seems modest for the potential of the collections. Again, is there a plan or strategy to their outreach that has target audiences? I am very unclear how they will be able to carry out their proposal. Their budget doesn't reflect capacity to do so, and there on no paid staff to ensure continuity in carrying out the project. I would have given a zero to the comment related to hearing and mobility challenges and the visitors should participate to the best of their abilities, but one of their buildings owned by the City is ADA accessible.
Wilson Jennifer - Score: 89.000
It's wonderful to see an important aspect of the community's history preserved and cared for. Your plans seem appropriate for a growing organization with an all-volunteer "staff." You seem like a dedicated and disciplined crew doing all you can with limited resources. Note: future timelines should be the timeline for planned grant activities.