Perplexing Pork-A-Palooza

It seems that I've completely lost track of what Federal funds are required to pay for...versus State, County and City funds and private money... silly me.
Apparently now there is nothing too insignificant for Federal funds to be spent on.
From the NY Post
CONGRESS' PORKY POLS PIG OUT ON FINE $WINE
BIG BUCKS TO CANOES & TATTOOS

WASHINGTON - Congress went on a pork-a-palooza yesterday, approving a massive spending bill with big bucks for Hawaiian canoe trips, research into pig smells, and tattoo removal - all while the nation faces an economic crisis.
Among the recipients of federal largesse is the Polynesian Voyaging Society of Honolulu, which got a $238,000 "earmark" in the bill.
New York got its share of earmarks, among them $475,000 to "improve and expand" the Italian American Museum in Little Italy.

There's nothing not to love about the Polynesian Voyaging Society in Hawaii or the Italian American Museum in Little Italy in New York...but why does Federal money have to be earmarked for them?
Can't these organizations raise the money from private donors instead of using Federal tax dollars?
Just saying couldn't somebody like Larry Ellison just write a $238,000 check to the Polynesian Voyaging Society...for crissakes he probably earns that kind of money in an hour....and he likes to sail....