Demystifying Budgets: From Programs to Policy
Jan 26, 2026 1:30PM—2:30PM
Location
Zoom
Categories NYCMER
Join us for a virtual program to learn more about budgeting
Where: Zoom
Cost: Free
Register: Zoom Registration (Only open to current NYCMER Members)
Join NYCMER for a practical introduction to understanding organizational finances.
This virtual program will offer three separate breakout sessions, designed to support museum professionals at all stages of their careers—from learning basic budget language to gaining insights into the full lifecycle of a grant to those responsible for department-wide financial strategy.
Participants will gain tools they can apply to their own work, whether they are managing a single program or overseeing an entire department, and provide you with the tools to navigate budgets with confidence.
Entry Level: Introduction to Budget Basics – Veronica Miller, Manager of Education Programming, Bronx Zoo
Learn essential financial terminology and understand how to build and manage a program budget using a basic margin sheet model.
Mid Level: Grants Management Essentials – Lou Bankston, Manager of Grants, WCS Education, Wildlife Conservation Society
Gain insights into the full lifecycle of a grant—from writing a strong application to navigating compliance and preparing a polished final report.
Senior Level: Departmental Strategy & Long-Term Planning – Dr. Preeti Gupta, Director for Youth Learning and Research
Explore how to manage a department through strategic oversight of programming, grants, and staffing. Learn how to create balanced, sustainable budgets that support long-range goals and organizational growth.
Consider becoming a NYCMER member to view recordings of NYCMER programs, as well as access our full archive of resources, attend monthly professional development and networking events for free, purchase discounted admission to our annual conference, and more!
Annual Individual Membership – $45
Annual Student Membership – $25
Institutional Membership (includes three memberships) – $110
Accessibility:
NYCMER is committed to providing opportunities for all of our members to participate in our programs and engage with one another. Should you require accessibility services, such as live captioning, please contact info@nycmer.org as soon as possible.
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