At this time of year, charities are examining their financial records and reminding supporters that the end of the calendar year is approaching. Mennonite Heritage Village is one of these charities that depends on donations in order to finish the year well.
Every January, the MHV staff prepares a budget in each department for the year, anticipating the costs of the planned programs, events, and activities. This is our operating budget, and it includes things like utilities, building maintenance and repairs, office supplies, staff salaries, and other day-to-day expenses. There are also specific department related expenses like the cost of purchasing groceries for the restaurant and the cost of stocking Village Books and Gifts with souvenirs, toys, and books. As much as possible, we stay within our planned budget, but sometimes unexpected costs are incurred and cannot be avoided. For instance, when the HVAC system breaks down in the heat of summer, we have no choice but to repair it, especially if it affects our climate-controlled artefact rooms. Or when a riding mower breaks down, it must be repaired in order to keep the yard in good shape for our thousands of visiting guests. This last summer, our restaurant dishwasher broke down and required several thousand dollars in repairs to enable the kitchen staff to continue to maintain a clean food preparation area. This type of cost is unexpected, but it must be addressed immediately and cannot be postponed to another year. But aside from these unexpected costs, MHV staff monitors its spending to remain within the planned budget.
We also project the revenue that we can expect from admission sales, restaurant income, book and souvenir sales, and rental income. Our 2025 budget has estimated that 55% of our budget will be covered by these income-generating activities. An important way to augment this revenue is to apply for grants and MHV is fortunate to regularly receive grant funds from various levels of government and from private foundations.
However, donation support continues to be appreciated and necessary for Mennonite Heritage Village to preserve and exhibit our history and heritage and to create a space for our community to gather with friends, neighbours, and family. This year, we need to cover approximately 28% of our operating expenses through sponsorships, fundraising activities, and donations. In total, MHV is looking for well over $400,000 to cover those aspects of the museum which are important but not self-supporting. We are happy to host 3000 school kids in spring and summer, but the fees for registration are subsidized by donations. As well, our gallery exhibits and our heritage buildings are a treasure to be shared with the 45,000 annual visitors, but they require regular maintenance in order to prevent deterioration and rotting and the admission fees alone do not cover all our needs in this area. After the end of September, our restaurant closes, our visitor admission sales decrease, and our retail store sees less traffic. We continue to see some revenue from facility rentals for meetings and Christmas parties, and we are planning a variety of winter workshops and events, but extra support at this time is essential. So, we are looking to our supporters for generous donations toward our operating fund at this time.
December is traditionally a good month for donation income. We look forward to the blessings that the generosity of our supporting community will bring us as we wrap up 2025. Thank you!
