Purpose
This policy defines the criteria and process for accepting in-kind donations—such as artwork, exhibits, furnishings, facility enhancements, or other physical contributions—to ensure they align with the mission, operational needs, and visitor experience at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science.
Acceptance Criteria
All in-kind donations must meet the following standards:
- Support NDGTS’s mission while enriching educational programming or the overall visitor experience
- Suit a hands-on, interactive environment that welcomes all ages
- Ensure safety, accessibility, and the absence of hazards
- Demand minimal ongoing maintenance from NDGTS staff or volunteers, with maintenance guidelines provided when applicable
- Be made of durable materials that withstand high-volume public use
- Withstand North Dakota’s climate if placed outdoors, including year-round exposure
- Arrive in good condition and connect to current or anticipated programming, exhibits, or operations
- Fit appropriately within public spaces without disrupting visitor flow or day-to-day facility functions
- Complement the existing layout, landscaping, or related programming components
- Provide necessary documentation—such as specifications, sketches, or site plans—for structural or permanent changes
- Demonstrate long-term value and adaptability to NDGTS’s evolving initiatives and facility plans
Art Donations
Artwork, including murals, sculptures, and artistic exhibit elements, should have educational or thematic relevance and be constructed from materials appropriate for long-term public display. Evaluation may include:
- Aesthetic quality and message
- Suitability for indoor or outdoor display
- Alignment with the environment and visitor experience
Outdoor Installations
Outdoor contributions such as sculptures, benches, shade structures, or interpretive signage must be appropriate for year-round use in North Dakota’s climate. Evaluation may include:
- Safety, stability, and accessibility
- Impact on the outdoor learning environment
- Visual and thematic integration with existing elements
Facility Enhancements and Permanent Additions
Donations involving permanent structural changes or additions to NDGTS’s facilities—including built structures, exhibit components, or infrastructure improvements—must include adequate documentation for review. Evaluation may include:
- Compliance with safety and accessibility codes
- Operational impact on staff, programming, and visitor use
- Fit with long-term facility and strategic plans
Review Process and Stewardship
All in-kind donations are carefully reviewed to ensure they meet NDGTS’s standards. The review process may involve program or facilities staff, executive leadership, internal review groups (such as for artwork or facility enhancements), or the board of directors, depending on the nature and scale of the donation.
Donors may be asked to provide supporting documentation—such as proof of ownership, item specifications, or site plans. NDGTS requires that all donated items be legally owned and reserves the right to verify provenance and assess potential ethical or reputational concerns. Once accepted, donations become the property of NDGTS, which has full discretion over their use, display, storage, or removal. Previously accepted items may be relocated, deaccessioned, or disposed of if they become unsafe, fall into disrepair, no longer align with NDGTS’s mission, or interfere with future plans or visitor experience.
NDGTS generally does not accept unsolicited donations and may refuse items delivered without prior communication or approval.