Individual Support

Did you know that approximately 11% of the museum’s operating budget is underwritten by donations to the Children’s Museum Fund? These donations enable us to hold admission and membership costs to about 50% of the true cost of each visit or membership. The Children’s Museum Fund also underwrites school field trips, the foster family membership program, new exhibit development, neighborhood programs, and so much more.

Gifts to The Children's Museum may be outright or over a multi-year term, and may take the form of gifts of cash, appreciated securities, or other forms of real or personal property.

The Children's Museum is grateful for gifts of all sizes, and has established the gift societies and clubs below to recognize and thank our generous donors.  

Gifts of $200 or more annually include a membership for your household valid for unlimited visits to the museum.  The Fair Market Value for this benefit is currently $170.   You may choose to waive membership benefits, in which case your donation will be fully tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Carousel Societies
$5,000 AND UP

All benefits of President’s Circle, plus:

• Invitation to the Carousel Society Dinner, an elegant, themed evening of dinner and entertainment
• Discount on facility rental fees

President’s Circles
$4,999–$1,000

All benefits of Explorer Club, plus:

• Invitation to the President’s Series, an exclusive reception where the museum president and other museum experts present a preview of upcoming attractions
• Invitation to Holiday Morning, a special holiday celebration for the entire family
• Invitations to museum travel opportunities

Explorer circle Club
$999–$500

All benefits of Premier Membership, plus:

• Invitation to the Collection Tour Series, a private, behind-the-scenes journey through our extensive collection of 120,000 objects from around the world 

Discovery Builder Club
$499–$250

All benefits of Premier Membership, plus:

• Invitation to the Insider Tour Series where you will learn about exhibit development, hear stories about rare objects, and meet special guests 

Premier Membership
$249–$200

All benefits of Family+2 (or Grandparent+2) Membership, plus:

• Invitation to special events, such as Exhibit Opening Previews
• Free stroller rental and coat check
• 10% discount in the Food Court
• 15% discount at The Children’s Museum Store
• Subscription to Extra!, the museum’s magazine
• Listing in The Children’s Museum Annual Report

rex club donors and Supporting Friends
$199–$10

Rex Club Donors

• Donors of $199-$25 annually qualify for Rex Club donor benefits, including:
  • Subscription to Extra!, the museum’s magazine
  • Discount of $1 for each ticket purchased for one-day museum admission
  • 15% discount at The Children's Museum Store
• Donors of $100+ annually are recognized in the Museum’s Annual Report

Supporting Friends

• Gifts of less than $25 are welcomed and encouraged! 
• Every dollar received puts us that much closer to our overall fundraising goals, and helps make it possible to serve children and families through our programs and community outreach activities.  
   

For more information about:

• The Children's Museum Fund Donor Clubs or about how to make your gift, contact Lisa Wagoner at 317-334-3215 or email lisaw@childrensmuseum.org
• Planned giving and bequests, contact Brian Williams at 317-334-3724 or email brianw@childrensmuseum.org

Your gift can go twice as far if your employer offers a matching gift program. Please check with your employer to see whether it offers this benefit.

The Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.