Direct Donations

A direct donation allows a donor to submit an object or collection directly to a specific institution for review.

Unlike a standard listing, a direct donation does not enter the Museum Exchange catalogue. Instead, the donation is sent straight to the selected institution, which can then review and either accept or reject it.

If the institution accepts the donation, the donation moves into the standard donation processing workflow.

What is a direct donation?

A direct donation is a donation pathway used when a donor is invited by an institution to submit objects directly to that institution. This process is designed for situations where the institution already knows the donor.

In a direct donation workflow, the donor submits the listing directly to the inviting institution rather than making it available to multiple institutions in the catalogue.

How direct donations work

A direct donation generally follows these steps:

• An institution invites a donor to become a direct donor.
• The donor creates and submits a listing directly to that institution.
• The listing is reviewed by the institution and does not enter the catalogue.
• The institution either accepts or rejects the donation.
• If accepted, the donation moves into normal donation processing.

Step 1: Institution invitation

The direct donation process begins when an institution invites a donor to submit directly to them. This invitation establishes the direct donation relationship between the donor and institution.

Step 2: Donor submits a direct donation listing

Once invited, the donor can create a listing and select the institution during the listing step.

This listing may include a single object, or multiple objects submitted together as a Collection. During the listing workflow, the listing is submitted specifically to the selected institution for review.

Step 3: Listing does not enter the catalogue

Unlike a standard listing, a direct donation listing does not appear in the Museum Exchange catalogue. This means it is not made available for review by multiple institutions it is only reviewed by the selected institution it follows a direct institution-specific review path.

Step 4: Institution reviews the donation

After submission, the institution reviews the direct donation and decides whether to move forward.

At this stage, the institution may either accept the donation, or reject the donation. Because this is a direct workflow, there is no proposal stage involving multiple institutions.

Step 5: If accepted, donation processing begins

If the institution accepts the direct donation, the donation moves into the standard post-match donation process. From that point forward, the process works like a normal accepted donation, including:

• confirming donor information
• adding packing information
• completing required documents
• coordinating shipping, delivery, and receipt
• finalizing donation documentation

Direct donations vs catalogue listings

The main difference between a direct donation and a standard listing is how the object is reviewed.

Standard listing

• may be added to the catalogue
• can be reviewed by multiple institutions
• may result in one or more formal proposals

Direct donation

• is submitted directly to one institution
• does not enter the catalogue
• is either accepted or rejected by that institution

Common questions

Does a direct donation go into the catalogue?

No. Direct donation listings do not enter the Museum Exchange catalogue.

Can more than one institution review a direct donation?

No. A direct donation is submitted to one selected institution for direct review.

Does a direct donation still use the normal donation workflow if accepted?

Yes. If the institution accepts the donation, the donation processing steps continue as normal.

Can a direct donation include multiple objects?

Yes. A direct donation may include a single object or multiple objects submitted together as a Collection.

Can I select any institution to offer a direct donation to?

No. Institutions "invite" donors to be eligible to submit direct donations for their consideration. Once invited, you will be eligible to submit direct donations to the institution during listing creation.