Museum Association Partnerships
Museum associations don't just serve their sector — they shape its future.
Through strategic partnerships with Museums as Progress (MaP), associations gain access to research-driven insights that reveal their members' collective impact on community well-being and amplify their role as catalysts for sector-wide transformation.
The Case for Collective Intelligence
Association partnerships now center on our MaP³ program, creating a powerful feedback loop of shared intelligence.
1) Institutional Understanding
Each member museum's assessment contributes to a collective picture of how institutions in your region support community goals.
2) Sector-Wide Patterns
As more of your members participate, regional patterns emerge that reveal distinctive strengths across your association's membership.
3) Evidence-Based Advocacy
These aggregate insights provide concrete evidence for funders, policymakers, and stakeholders about the genuine impact of museums in your region.
Partnership Benefits
For Your Members
Evidence-Based Direction: Connect institutional strengths to community outcomes that matter
Benchmarking: Compare against relevant peers across multiple dimensions — size, discipline, and geography — to reveal distinctive institutional strengths
Member Discounts: 15% or 25% off MaP³ enrollment
Collaborative Learning: Join cohorts tackling shared challenges
Priority Access: Secure spots in limited-attendance programs
For Your Association
Actionable Intelligence: Transform individual assessments into collective advocacy tools
Funding Evidence: Gain concrete data for strengthening regional support
Sustainable Revenue: Choose a partnership model that supports your priorities
Conference Integration: Enhance in-person events with implementation pathways
Sector Leadership: Demonstrate a forward-thinking, strategic approach
Minimal Administrative Burden
Complete Administration: MaP handles all member registration and support
Program Management: We deliver all community engagement activities
Flexible Reporting: Optional annual or twice-a-year participation metrics
Zero Infrastructure: No technical investment or system integration required
Flexible Partnership Structure
Choose the option that best serves your association's priorities:
Option 1
Member-Focused (25% Discount)
Members receive 25% discount on MaP³ participation
Association receives regional impact reports and advocacy tools
No commission on registrations
Option 2
Revenue Share (15%/15%)
Members receive 15% discount on MaP³ participation
Association receives 15% commission on all registrations
Association receives regional impact reports and advocacy tools
Implementation
Month 1: Quick Setup
Receive your association's unique discount code for member registration
Get promotional materials for your newsletter and website
Schedule integration with upcoming conference programming if desired
Ongoing Support
MaP provides:
Member registration and technical support
Revenue share calculations and payments
Program delivery and community management
Content for your member communications
Your team:
Shares the discount code with members
Promotes relevant programs through existing channels
Receives revenue share payments (processed via Paypal)
Optional Enhancements
Based on member interest, we can:
Create regional cohorts for premium programs
Develop conference tie-ins and extensions
Design custom learning pathways
Support virtual program delivery
Provide member success case studies
Share the factsheet with your colleagues.
Current Partners
Our Associations Partnership Program launched in November 2024 with the Iowa Museum Association. We’re now seeking up to four additional partners for 2025 — contact us to learn more.
Partner Spotlight
The Iowa Museum Association recognized their opportunity to drive sector transformation through enhanced professional development. Through our partnership, IMA:
Provides year-round learning pathways
Supports institutional progress
Creates sustainable revenue streams
Guides regional transformation
All without additional infrastructure investment.
“Partnering with Museums as Progress has already been beneficial for the Iowa Museum Association. Kyle’s thought-provoking and strategic approach pushes us to think deeply about the ‘why’ behind our decisions, helping us ensure that the value we offer truly resonates with our members. At its core, this collaboration sharpens our focus on how our mission aligns with theirs and highlights opportunities to support Iowa’s diverse museum community.
The landscape of Iowa museums is incredibly diverse, spanning institutions with multi-million-dollar budgets to entirely volunteer-run organizations. While their needs vary, they share a common goal: to listen to their communities and address the unique needs of those they serve. Through MaP, we’re able to empower our members, regardless of size, to reimagine what meaningful impact can look like in their communities.
As museums face significant shifts in funding and audience expectations, having access to training, professional networks, and a supportive community has never been more critical. Through our partnership with MaP, the IMA can provide our members with innovative resources and tools to better meet their challenges.”
FAQ
No, there is no fee to become a partner association.
If you’d like to give staff and/or board members at your association full member benefits so that they can attend paid programs and events, please let us know and we’ll discuss options based on your budget and staff needs.