Photo courtesy the DC Public Library CommonsMichael Neibauer reports today that the Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial — the organization that owns the former Federal American National Bank building downtown and intends to turn it into an historical museum — received another 2-year extension from the Board of Zoning. The museum is being delayed as the organization struggles with litigation — and a mounting tax liability.
Neibauer reports:
The museum owes $298,819 in real estate taxes — $217,280 in 2009 and $81,539 in 2010 — as well as $57,998 in public space taxes and $4,876 in Business Improvement District taxes, according to D.C. tax records.
The organization collected $2.76 million in grants, contributions and interest income in 2007, but only $742,474 in 2008, according to its Form 990 filed with the Internal Revenue Service. The museum ended tax year 2008 with $22.4 million in net assets.
Neibauer says that a former donor has demanded the return of his or her contributions and placed a lien on the building; one museum trustee said that the case has scared off donors. The organization could resolve its legal issues and see donations rebound quickly.
The economy is picking up, which improves the base for philanthropic giving. But I’d expect that President Barack Obama’s flipflop on the issue will be a significant driver for donations. Twice while in office President Obama has marked the anniversary of the Armenian genocide without using the word “genocide.” Know how to send the President a message that this is unacceptable? Park an institution called “The Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial” in a gorgeous Beaux-Arts building a couple blocks from the White House.
