Mars Incorporated, a candy-maker that first started manufacturing sweets in 1911, recently announced a $5 million donation for the "American Enterprise" exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. With the contribution, Mars has become the principle sponsor of the upcoming 8,000-square-foot exhibit, which will walk visitors through the development of the American economy.

Starting in the 1750's, the display will include the evolution of agricultural tools such as the cotton gin and John Deere's plows. Inventions that moved the American economy into industrialism, including the microscope and telephone will also be on exhibit, followed by the emergence of today's consumer and global culture. Advertisements and communications technologies will demonstrate the current state of enterprise.

"We thank Mars, Incorporated for this transformative gift," said Smithsonian secretary Wayne Clough. "It enables us to tell learners of all ages the essential and expansive story of American business and the men and women who helped to shape our nation into what it is today."

Museums and other organizations that are building new displays can similarly bring their fundraising efforts into the modern age with fund accounting programs that make it easy to audit accounts.