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The Children’s Museum is a magical place that continues to inspire tomorrow’s (and today’s) scientists, artists, athletes, humanitarians, dreamers, and world changers.
Your financial support—no matter the size—makes a big difference. In fact, we could not exist without the ongoing support of our community. You are vital to our success. Here are some ways you can help ensure that we continue to impact the lives of children and their families—in our community and beyond—for years to come.
Make an online donation
An online donation to The Children’s Museum General Fund supports the museum in these key areas:
- The museum experience. The heart of The Children’s Museum is the people who elevate the visitor experience, making the museum truly one-of-a-kind. From extraordinary exhibits, to in-gallery programming, interactive shows in the Sunburst Atrium, and live performances in Lilly Theater, the annual fund supports these offerings that make The Children’s Museum unique.
- Planning for the future. Future exhibits, including a new Take Me ThereⓇ destination, only happen when funding is secured. New experiences are what continue to make The Children’s Museum one of the best places in the world for inspiration and family learning.
- Programs that serve everyone. We offer a variety of programs that provide support and resources to families from the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as free and reduced admission to underserved families from across Indiana. Programs include the Access Pass program, the Old National Bank Mid-North Promise Program, free admission days, and StarPoint camp.
Donor memberships include a donation to the museum and allow us to continue to provide world-class opportunities and experiences for children and families. In addition to receiving the tax benefits for the purchase, you'll receive exclusive benefits like exhibit previews and a designated caregiver card.
Give a planned gift
Planned gifts are powerful. They have the unique capacity to make a greater impact over time. Because the entirety of the gift is permanently invested, it continues to grow, sustaining the organization long-term.
Planned giving has no immediate impact on your cash flow, meaning your philanthropic impact is not limited to your current financial circumstances. And because planned gifts are versatile and can be given through a multitude of vehicles, there is much more flexibility in your giving. This ensures your planned gift aligns with your long-term goals.
In addition, each type of planned gift offers advantages to both you and your loved ones. Whether it is a tax break or passive income, planned giving opens the doors to possibilities traditional cash gifts do not provide.
Your legacy and your gift live on in perpetuity.
How do you leave a planned gift?
Here are some ways you can support The Children’s Museum through a planned gift:
Leave a bequest
Including a charitable gift in your will, living trust or other estate plan is a powerful way to support the museum’s vision and leave a legacy that will inspire children and families for years to come. You may take the following sample language and ask your professional advisor to incorporate it into your estate plans.
SAMPLE BEQUEST LANGUAGE
I give, devise, and bequeath to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis (EIN 35-0867985) [the sum of __________] OR [__________ percent (%) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate] to be used to support the Museum at the time the gift is received.
Gifts of stock
Gifts of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds not only benefit the museum, but also can be structured in ways that can help you minimize taxes. To make a gift of stock, please share the following transfer information with your broker, and be sure to instruct them to reveal your name and the purpose of the gift to the receiving broker (Stifel Nicolaus) or they are required to not tell us who gave the stock.
The museum’s broker contact information:
Stifel Nicolaus & Co.
600 East 96th Street, Suite 575
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Account Number: 12650014
Depository Trust Company (DTC) number: 0793
Tax Identification Number (EIN): 35-0867985
Make a gift from your IRA
If you’re 70½ years old and older, you’re eligible for an IRA Charitable Rollover. You can give any amount (up to a maximum of $100,000 per year) from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as The Children’s Museum without having to pay income taxes on the money.
Designate The Children’s Museum as a beneficiary
A simple and flexible way to make a gift is to name The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis as a beneficiary to receive assets such as retirement plans and life insurance policies after you're gone. Simply complete a change of beneficiary form from your plan administrator and notify the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
Set up a charitable gift annuity or other life-income gift
A charitable gift annuity is a gift made to our organization that can provide you with a secure source of fixed payments for life based on your age. Creating a Charitable Remainder Trust provides you with income for life and the remainder is passed on to the museum. A Charitable Lead Trust provides income to the museum for a specific term of years, and the remainder is retained for your heirs. Please consult your financial advisor to set up life-income gifts and notify The Children’s Museum.
Give a gift membership
Give a gift that keeps on giving all year long. A basic gift membership for your loved ones gives them a year of unlimited fun at The Children’s Museum!
Shop The Museum Store
From Rex-inspired souvenirs, to enriching STEM games, to Kid-Tested, Kid-Approved™ toys like the Cyclone Gyro, or a gift card for a future visit, The Museum Store is the perfect place to shop!
Remember that basic and donor members receive a 10% discount in the store!
Your support matters
The Children’s Museum is an amazing place where curiosity is sparked, imagination is fueled, and lives are changed. Dinos roar. Families keep score in smiles in our outdoor sports wonderland. Children squeal in delight as they go ‘round and ‘round the Carousel. Untold stories are shared. Ancient treasures and new frontiers are explored every day.
We cannot fulfill our mission without your help.
Thank you for your support.
Looking for more information?
Our development staff is always available to assist you in achieving your charitable goals now and in the future. To learn more, contact Jessica Knudsen-Bahney at jknudsen-bahney@childrensmuseum.org.
