ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.PDF

Last updated: 01/21/2018
General information
Organization Arizona Museum of Natural History
Contact First name Claire
Contact Last name West
Contact e-mail cwest9455@gmail.com
Contact phone number 6022589455
Address
Street 53 N Macdonald St
City Mesa
State AZ
ZIP Code 85201
From what tribe is the Gila River Indian Community
organization requesting the
grant?
Total grant amount request 30000
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The Gila River Indian Community offers multi-year awards. If your organization is
requesting a multi-year grant for this project or program from the Gila River Indian
Community, enter the amount to be requested each year.
Amount
Year 1 (Gila River Indian
30000
Community Grants Only)
Year 2 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
Year 3 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
Year 4 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
Year 5 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
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Gila River Indian Community Grant
Application Grant Cycle
Cover Sheet
Municipality
Information
1. Date of Application: 2/8/2018 (NOTE: Click or use up/down arrow keys to move
among fields)
2. Name of City, Town or County: Maricopa
3. Mayor (City or Town) or Board of Supervisor’s Chairman (County): Steve Chucri
4. Mailing Address: 301 W Jefferson 10th Flr
5. City: Phx State: Arizona Zip Code: 85003
6. Acknowledgement of Submission by Authorized Municipality Representative:
Typed Name/Title: Signature:
Applicant Information
7. Department/Organization Name: The Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation
8. Is this a 501c non-profit Organization? No Yes If yes, attach IRS Determination
Letter√
9. Application Contact Person: Thomas H Wilson, Executive Director
10. Phone Number: 480.644.3418
11. Mailing Address: 53 N Macdonald
12. City: Mesa State: Arizona Zip Code: 85201
13. Email Address: tom.wilson@mesaaz.gov Website Address: www.azmnh.org
Project Information
14. Project Name: Free The Dinosaur
15. Purpose of Grant:
16. Priority Funding Area Education
17. Annual amount requested $30,000
18. Number of years that funding is One
requested
19. Total amount requested (annual $30000
amount x
number of years)
20. Has your organization received past Yes. We are grateful to have received funding for Title I school
funding from GRIC? If yes, list each year visits in a three year grant in 2013-16 in the total amount of
and amount $89,000.
21. Geographic area served State of Arizona
For Office Use Only:

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Data Entry Receipt Evaluation
Outcome A Approval Recommended/Amount $ A Denial

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Application Grant Cycle
Narrative
Please structure your proposal to provide the following information in the order indicated. Provide the narrative in
paragraph form in the text field provided. Please be thorough but strive for brevity.
1. Briefly describe the organization’s history, mission and goals.
The mission of the Arizona Museum of Natural History is to inspire wonder, understanding and respect for the
natural and cultural history of the Southwest. The Museum’s 501(c)(3) Foundation empowers the Museum to create
and deliver innovative experiences so the past can inform the future.
The award-winning museum was founded in 1977, incorporated in 1998 as Southwest Museum Foundation, with a
name change in 2008 to Arizona Museum of Natural History. The Museum’s operating budget is 1.62 million plus
salaries and facilities funded by the City of Mesa, exclusive of amounts generated by the Foundation. The Museum
occupies 80,000 sq’ and owns 60,000 objects of natural history. Annual visitation for FY 2016-17 was 129,878, of
which 33,533 were students from throughout Arizona. The Museum’s population includes a range of ages,
backgrounds, economic levels, education levels, from throughout Maricopa County and beyond, including the
State’s Indian Communities. Economically disadvantaged individuals visit through the Title 1 discount programs.
Visitors see exhibitions dedicated to origins of the universe, geological processes, origins of life, and vignettes of
the last 300 million years of prehistory in the area that is now Arizona. Dinosaur Hall and Dinosaur Mountain
present the biggest collection of dinosaurs in Arizona. Educational programming at the Museum introduces our
youngest patrons to defined learning content aligning with the State Education Standards, and the National science
education standards.
The Foundation is applying for a capital project entitled Free The Dinosaur. A huge dinosaur, Acrocanthosaurus,
breaks through the façade of the Arizona Museum of Natural History! Shattered masonry from the blast crumbles
under her immense power as she makes her escape. This cool dream becomes reality with the installation of a life-
size sculpture of the escaping dinosaur bursting from the upper-levels of the exterior wall of the Museum.
Funds from Gila River Indian Community will be matched more than two-to-one to accomplish Phase II of a project
which is iconic not only for the Museum but for the state, representing a cultural destination model of epic
proportions. Significant on-site recognition will accrue for the Gila River Indian Community.
2. If the applying organization is non-municipal or a non-profit 501c, please describe your relationship with
Arizona municipalities including past and present support, whether through partnerships,
collaborations, in-kind contributions, grants, tax-based funding or other. Describe the supporting
municipality’s role in this project.
The Arts and Culture Department of the City of Mesa, Arizona serves as the cultural liaison and ambassador for the
City; the chief advocate for the importance of arts and culture to community life, education and economic
development; and the oversight body for the three City-owned arts and culture venues/programs: the Arizona
Museum of Natural History, the i.d.e.a. Museum, and the Mesa Arts Center. The Department engages with
businesses, educational institutions, community members, volunteers, City staff, and other cultural and government
entities to further the vision, mission and goals of the Department’s Strategic Plan and support the Strategic
Initiatives of the Mesa City Council. The Department supports the idea that arts and culture—rooted in the value
that creativity and discovery are the engine of human progress and well-being—are essential to healthy and
civilized societies, and to fulfilled and productive human activity.
We have previously applied through the City of Mesa. We are applying this time through the County of Maricopa.
3. Describe the proposed project and planned goals and activities.

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Goal: Increased visitation. Case study: 2016 was a great year for Dinosaurs.
The Museum installed three dramatic new moving dinosaurs on Dinosaur
Mountain. These roaring titans leave kids and adults alike wide-eyed. The
result? Attendance in the first six months of the fiscal year was up 27% and
revenue 57% over the same period the previous year. We anticipate
exploding visitation with the installation of Acrocanthosaurus. Every family
will want to see it as soon as they hear about it. Increased visitation is not
only important to the sustainability of the Museum through earned income,
but our ultimate goal is to get people interested in Natural History. The
project is iconic not only for the Museum but for the state, representing a
cultural destination model of epic proportions.
The immediate goals are to successfully install the project on time and on
budget with public buy-in and great fanfare. With the purpose of helping
define Mesa as a world-class city, and luring families into a contemporary
learning institution, AzMNH short term goals are simple, with far reaching long-term goals.
Activity: The apex predator Acrocanthosaurus roamed western North America 100-120 million years ago, striking
fear in all animals it encountered. In real life, the dinosaur weighed well over six tons and stood 38 feet long nose to
tail. The magnificent life-size Acrocanthosaurus will be positioned dramatically blasting out of the masonry of the
Museum wall. The Arizona Museum of Natural History has contracted with Dimensional Innovations of Kansas City,
Kansas to fabricate the animal to precise full-scale proportions and pose. Dimensional Innovations is one of the
premier designers of creative public spaces, and a premier manufacturer of dinosaurs in places such as the four-
story Brachiosaurus at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. DI was chosen after an international competitive
search.
Arizona Museum of Natural History paleontologists and artists worked for
months to create a quarter-scale model of the sculpture, modeling the
dinosaur from the proportions of its skeleton. Then, following scientific
evidence and examples from the animal world, artists applied a palette
of colors to the model based on the functions of coloration for a major
carnivorous dinosaur. The sculpture will be posed dramatically for
optimal viewing from multiple locations on the site. It will be lit internally
as well as from the ground for around the clock visibility. The animal’s
cantilever from the building structure will provide a great selfie
opportunity from the sidewalk.
The dinosaur façade will attract new visitors to the Museum. The
Arizona Museum of Natural History is the premier natural history museum
in Arizona, ranking with top museums in California, Colorado and New Mexico.
So far, AzMNH has raised and committed well over $250,000 of $400,000 to complete the project.
4. Describe how the proposed project satisfies one or more of the priority funding areas identified by the
Gila River Indian Community.
We have selected Education, as our mission is to educate about Natural History.
Ask any kid about Acrocanthosaurus, and they’ll probably tell you it’s one of their favorite dinosaurs. The Arizona
Museum of Natural History has inspired many a youngster to explore archaeology, paleontology, anthropology and
other sciences. Some have become professionals, noted in their field, some have returned as docents in their
adulthood. Although the AzMNH is known nationally as a leader in Natural History education, we are fondly known
as a dino museum with local youngsters. We believe that the next generation of scientists, community leaders, and
amateur natural historians will emerge from the lure of the out-of-school, after-school and recreational time spent
immersed in our museum. What better way to attract kids and families than an external image that pronounces “We

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Application Grant Cycle
mean fun! Get in here!”
Educational programming at the Museum introduces visitors to the natural sciences, including geology,
paleontology, scientific method, astronomy, biology, and the humanities disciplines of archaeology, anthropology,
history and art history. The Museum holds significant collections in anthropology, archaeology, history, natural
history, paleontology and art. AzMNH has defined learning and content objectives for each gallery and exhibition,
promoting lifelong learning and aligning with the State Education Standards, and the National science education
standards.
Schools can’t go it alone. Students of all ages need opportunities for inquiry-based learning that inspires curiosity
and fuels their passions. Learning connects students to their communities, culture and history. Where can we find
all these things? Museums! Museums are educational powerhouses. The Arizona Museum of Natural History offers
teachers and students their best field trip of the year, and offers a range of youth education programs throughout
the year and summer camps too.
5. Identify the needs/problems to be addressed, target population and number of people to be
served by the project.
The sculpture, high on the wall and widely visible, will serve as a magnet for audiences to explore the educational
natural history exhibitions and programs within. General knowledge in archaeology and paleontology often consists
of bites of information on specific recent news, and the lack of solid foundation often encourages misinformation
and misconception. Arizona schools have for many years received a D rating for science. There are many schools
doing a great job but there are many which struggle. Informal education centers like museums must fill the gaps. In
the 21st century, museums have started turning to the community to remain relevant and successful. By being
welcoming and responsive, visitors feel more connected with a museum and its collection. For young children,
community is essential to learning.
The Museum’s population includes a range of ages, ethnic backgrounds, languages, socio-economic levels, family
arrangements, and education levels, including seniors, students, tourists and teachers, from throughout Maricopa
County and beyond, including Arizona’s Native American communities. Visitors reflect the wide demographic of the
Valley’s population. Every county in the state visits the Museum, and it draws a significant number of out-of-state
visitors. Economically disadvantaged individuals visit through the Title 1 schools discount programs. School groups
and educators are almost daily visitors. The AzMNH is for everybody. Admission waivers for children and youth are
the right thing to do to welcome everybody, regardless of circumstance.
Indirectly we will serve many more than the 150,000 who will come to the Museum to see the new sculpture.
Passers by will benefit from this piece of public art, and Mesa’s downtown economy will see induced impact, both
economic and reputational, this being of particular interest to Mesa’s mayor, judging by his state of the city address
in February.
6. Define the project as a new or continuing program.
This is a new project building upon decades of success.
7. Provide a brief timeline including start and finish dates. Indicate if the timeline is
flexible.
Phase one is in process. Phase two began December 2017, with scheduled inauguration in May 2018. A publicity
campaign leading up to the opening will result in heavy media presence, with city officials and celebrities. This
project is time-sensitive.
Dimensional Innovations steps include considering visual impact for pedestrians, street view, and audience
interaction; scanning and CAD modeling to align with architecture; approval; 3D model; scale mock-up in foam;
metal infrastructure to fit inside milled body for bolting to wall; laminate; sculpt; ship in pieces for test-fitting; detail
and painting.
8. Identify other organizations, partners or funders participating in the project and their roles.

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The closest partners are the Arizona Museum of Natural History Foundation (a 501c3) and the City of Mesa Arts
and Culture Department. The project aligns with the creative placemaking and walkable cities movements. The
downtown Mesa merchants association, along with the I.D.E.A. Museum, Mesa Arts Center, and the Neighborhood
Economic Development Corporation are all working together to assure a creative economy. DI Designs is the
design and construction partner.
9. Would you be able to implement the proposed plan if your organization received partial funding for this
project?
Yes.
10. Describe your plan for project financial sustainability beyond the grant period. If this is a
program/project previously funded by the Gila River Indian Community describe efforts made
towards the previously described sustainability plan.
Requested funds are for engineering, installation, lighting, and landscaping. This is a one-time expenditure, outside
the Museum and Foundation operating budget. The designers predict a “shelf-life” of twenty + years with
maintenance built into the Museum operating budget. The fiberglass epoxy applied to the exterior assures durability
and UV barrier. The Foundation raises funds through grantwriting, gift shop sales and a fundraising event. It has a
balanced budget. The Museum occupies 80,000 square feet, has a staff of 12 full-time and 9 part-time. The
Museum’s budget is 1.62 million plus salaries and facilities from the City of Mesa and general operating costs,
exclusive of amounts generated from the foundation. The City is not a contributor to this phase of the project. All
funds raised are from the community.
11. Describe your plan to document progress and results.
Increased visitation (the initial spike in attendance followed by sustained annual numbers) will be tracked
meticulously, with verbal and social media responses to the new dinosaur also tracked by staff. Feedback from
schools, camps and members is solicited and acted upon. Internally the Museum considers the aesthetics and
durability of the exhibits compared to original goals. Results will be shared with the American Alliance of Museums
and other industry colleagues. The stages of the process will be documented by camera to track the progress to
share with the public as a way to raise excitement, anticipation and funds. The documentation will be archived for
the Museum’s records and as a way to share with stakeholders and funders.
12. Indicate any application to and/or awards made by a tribe other than the Gila River Indian Community
for state shared revenues for this and any other project for the past five (5) years. If this information is
included in a separate attachment, please indicate that here.
This is the only application we are making for tribal funding. We applied for, and received, Salt River Pima Maricopa
Indian Community funding within the five year period, for a separate project; we applied to Ft McDowell during the
period and did not receive funding.
Major funders of the project will be prominently recognized in person at the event. Benefits to Sponsors will be
tailored to giving level and to the donor’s sponsorship plan, including:
Logo Recognition on on-site signage Social Media:
Recognition in project press releases to local Facebook - 31,973 likes
media list Twitter – 2468 followers
Exposure to an average of 400 visitors/day Instagram – 795 followers
Two eblasts during month of project opening to
over 12,000 families per eblast
Channel 11 videos
Facebook and Twitter social networking sites to
promote sponsorship

Gila River Indian Community Grant
Application Grant Cycle
Project
Budget
Budget Period: December 2017 through June 2018 Free the Dinosaur Phase II, Arizona Museum of Natural
History
For each budget item listed here please provide a narrative description on the following Project Budget Detail
page.
Proposed Budget Amount Amount In Kind Total Budget
Expense (list each requested requested contributions
budget item) from GRIC or secured
from
other funders
1. Installation, Lighting, Landscaping, 30000 115000 $0 145000
Signage
2. Unveiling $0 5000 $0 5000
$0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $0 $0 $0
$0 $0 $0 $0
Total Budget 30000 120000 $0 150000
Project Budget Detail
Please provide a narrative description for each of the project budget items listed on the previous page. Include
the dollar figure and how it was derived.
Please note that this project is a special project and is not reflected in the organization operating budget
1. The figure was derived from the Order of Magnitude Estimate Proposal from Core Construction, from the
contract with DI Designs, and estimates for peripherals. Income confirmed and pending includes Arizona
Museum of Natural History Foundation, Mead Foundation, Mack Foundation, Members and Private Individuals,
Thunderbirds Charities, Fiesta Bowl, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority, Ford Motor, Diamondbacks,
Nesbitt Family Foundation
2. Inauguration costs
3. Click here to enter text.