The Children’s Museum relies on gifts from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations to serve more than 400,000 visitors each year.
In fact, nearly 32% percent of the cost of operating the museum last year was provided through gifts from 300 individuals and nearly 100 other organizations throughout Central Virginia.
Their collective commitment makes it possible to bring thousands of economically disadvantaged children and families to the museum, and to make the museum available at a reasonable cost for all.
The museum uses private support in virtually all of its operations. Gifts to the Children’s Museum have been used to purchase items such as:
- Memberships for families with incomes under $35,000 per year
- Balls for the Apple Tree and toy food items for the Café Exhibit
- Books for Story Time
- Raincoats for Waterplay
- Admission for children from under-resourced areas
- Upgraded computers
- Art supplies
- Toys for the Back Yard
- Supplies for the Children’s Museum Town Square
- Color cartridges for printing
- Fresh pebbles for Dino Dig Pit Exhibit
- Costumes for the Play House and puppets for the puppet theater
- Cleaning and disinfectant supplies
- Gas for the Children’s Museum vehicle
Can my gift be made in honor or memory of someone?
Yes! When you make a gift in honor or memory, we will immediately send a card notifying whomever you tell us. Gifts in the name of others to benefit our community’s Children’s Museum are a wonderful way to acknowledge important people in your life.
Is my gift tax deductible?
The Children’s Museum is non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, so your gift is an allowable deduction for income tax purposes. The museum’s tax identification number is 51-0220694.
What forms of payment can the Children’s Museum accept?
The museum can accept payments in the form of cash, personal check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and securities. Gifts of appreciated stock can benefit the Children’s Museum while providing substantial tax benefits for the donor. If you contribute appreciated stock, you pay no capital gains tax upon the transfer of the stock and receive an income tax charitable deduction for the full fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift. For more information on making a gift of securities, please contact the museum’s Development Office at 804-474-7005.
How does the Children’s Museum recognize donors of $1,000 or more?
Individual donors of $1,000 or more are recognized with membership in the Leadership Circle and enjoy exclusive benefits:
- Four admission passes to be shared with family, friends, or a charity of your choosing
- Recognition as a Leadership Circle member in the museum’s annual Impact Report publication
Are there sponsorship opportunities?
Yes! The Children’s Museum has many events and exhibits throughout the year available for sponsorship. Please contact the development office at 804-474-7022 or mbyates@childrensmuseumofrichmond.org to learn more.
Can I leave a gift to the Children’s Museum in my will, or through insurance?
Yes! As a non-profit organization, the Children’s Museum may accept gifts designated through an individual’s will, as well as gifts of life insurance and IRAs.
To contact the Development Office, please call 804-474-7005