Museums survive on the generosity of donors who give their money, their time and sometimes their personal property. They are very appreciative of their donors and are very hesitant to complain about any gift.

However, museums do not want every gift offered. Many people have things they want to give away and think that a museum would want it. Sometimes, if the donor in the past has made a large donation or contribution, it puts the museum in an awkward position to accept it. This unwanted donation becomes a problem to exhibit, store and conserve while costing the museum money.

What to do if you have something you want to donate?

Understand what the mission of the museum (or non-profit) is and what their collection consists of. Call the museum and ask them if they want it. Don’t just drop it off and expect that they will happily accept it.

If you make a non-cash donation to a museum and you want to receive a deduction off of your taxes, the IRS dictates that your gift needs to be of a related use to the receiving non-profit institution. Example: Your grandfather’s moose head trophy from his hunting trip to Maine in 1920 has nothing to do with the Newport Art Museum’s mission of art education. Let the receiving institution tell you if it meets their guidelines and don’t force it on them.

Consider the condition of the property that you wish to donate. Is the painting you want to donate in need of restoration? Is it unframed? These are issues (and costs) the museum will need to consider if they accept your gift.

Donors deserve to know how their donation will be used, but are they realistic? Having strings attached, like requiring your donated painting be on display until the end of time, is not realistic. If you want to really help the museum, consider allowing them the right to sell the painting if they wish.

Perhaps you are not sure you want to give it and you decide to loan it to the museum for a current exhibition. They will be thrilled to have it on loan but make sure you do not leave it there for an indeterminate length of time. If you think you want to gift it to them, decide in a reasonable amount of time. The museum is not a free storage facility for your valuables. If you promise to donate, follow through with your promise. The museum may develop plans based on your gift and if you change your mind, you will leave them in a jam.

Just because you are making a large donation, do not think you can tell them how to run their business. Instead ask, “What challenges are you facing that you think I might be able to help with?” Get involved; volunteer your time.

Karen Waterman is a fine art, antique furniture and decorative arts appraiser in the East Bay area and will answer as many questions regarding your “hidden treasures” as possible. By sending a letter or email with a question you give full permission for use in the column. Names, addresses or e-mail will not be published and photos will be returned if requested. Send e-mails (digital photos preferred ) to watermanappraisal@gmail.com. Send snail mail to Waterman Appraisal and Consulting Services,PO Box 134, Barrington, RI 02806.