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It is further proposed that one-half of the funds allotted to each museum be reserved for supplementing partial gifts and matching contributions. In each such case, the amount provided from Smithsonian funds should be no more than 50 percent of the total cost of the object (or collection) and that amount should still be no less than $200,000. This provision would encourage the museums to seek donations and provide prospective donors the opportunity to multiply the benefit of their contributions.

Should occasions arise where unique opportunities would be lost were the above formulas to be applied strictly, minor modifications would be permitted with the Secretary's approval.

[[underlined]]Increase of Knowledge Through Scholarly Programs[[/underlined]]

The Institution's scholarly programs had their beginning with unrestricted trust funds provided from the original bequest. Over many years, however, available funds of this description have been small, and the limited research that could be supported has generally consisted of restricted funds whose use was confined to the specific terms of gifts and bequests. This money has allowed studies of particu-lar collections or subjects of interest to the donors, but has not allowed adequate response to new needs or opportunities frequently of national significance.

Since the 1950's, Federal grants and contracts have become an important source of support for special projects and programs of interest to the funding agency. Such sources of support, while of particular importance to astrophysics and the earth sciences, are