The Maurer Foundation

The Maurer Foundation, a 501c3 charitable organization, was the vision of Mary Katherine Dixon Martz, a former resident who spent most of her lifetime in Excelsior Springs. In 1923, Martz’s father, the late Jake Maurer, and her late uncle, John Maurer, established Lake Maurer. The popular attraction ultimately drew thousands of visitors to Excelsior Springs.
At the heart of the Foundation’s evolution was Martz’s concern about both the immediate and long-term financial stability of the Museum. Many individuals had donated countless hours to improving the Museum’s organization and the building’s physical condition while overall funding was still a struggle. Serious issues with the buildings were chronic and continued due to a lack of money. A major fundraising effort was needed and a Foundation seemed to be the best way to provide financial stability.
Interests United
A board of directors, consisting of local and former residents who shared the same interest of promoting the Museum and Excelsior Springs, was selected and the legal documents were filed in 2006 to qualify for tax-exempt status. The purpose of the foundation was stated: “To benefit and support the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives”.
The initial fundraising goal was $100,000. The Foundation does not intend to fund the Museum’s daily operations because the Museum pays those operating expenses from revenue generated by memberships, donations, fundraisers, the gift shop and other miscellaneous areas. However, these sources were not sufficient to handle all financial requirements that included major repairs and exhibit costs.
Foundation’s Fund Flow
The Maurer Foundation makes decisions to contribute to the Museum for specific projects based upon requests made directly to it by the Museum Board. The Foundation Board of Directors does encourage all who are interested in supporting the Museum to become Museum members. Other donations to the Museum provide needed support of ever-increasing operating expenses.
Donations
Gifts can be made in a variety of ways – checks, gifts of stock or real estate, donations through wills or trusts, etc. If you have questions about how to make your gift contact a Maurer Foundation Board Member. Please make your checks payable to:
The Maurer Foundation
101 E. Broadway – P.O. Box 144
Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
Thank you for supporting the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives through the Maurer Foundation.