Support the
Power of Play

Click here to donate to the Annual Fund Drive

For more information, contact us.

Individual Contributions

Individual contributions are vital to The Iowa Children’s Museum and the many programs and exhibits provided to our daily learners. Did you know that admissions, memberships, and programs contribute to just over half of the annual budget needed to operate the museum at a high-quality level? With your contributions, you can support the power of play and assist the museum in providing the best educational programs and exhibits to the over 168,000 guests that visit us each year!

Contributions

Annual Fund

Make an annual gift to the museum each year to help support the ongoing programming, the upkeep of top-notch museum exhibits and the accessibility programs that are provided.

Donate to the Annual Fund Drive by clicking the link to the left.

Monthly Giving

Plan ahead and enjoy the convenience of automatic monthly donations to the museum!  This ongoing support is important for the museum in order to continue to provide exemplary programs and exhibits year after year.  Please email msalzwedel@theicm.org to set up monthly donations.

Attend a Fundraising Event

Throughout the year the museum hosts many fundraising events at the museum and out in the community.  Events are for all ages and are a great way to have a great time while also supporting the museum!  Click HERE to see a list of our fundraising events.

Matching Donations

Check with your company to see if they match gifts that are given to non-profit organizations. This is an easy way to double the amount given to your favorite organization!

Private Parties

An exceptionally unique way to support The Museum is by hosting a private party. Fundraising parties have been hosted by community members at their homes, in exclusive venues, and at The Iowa Children’s Museum! Simply invite your friends and family to join you in supporting the museum by asking for a free-will donation—and throw whatever kind of party you want! Previous parties have included a Derby Party, Hoe-Down, 50th Birthday Party, and a relaxed get-together held at Museum!

Gifts In-Kind

The Museum is always in need of items that are found in every household or business. These items can be used for exhibits, outreach programs, museum programs, art studio activities, and general office use. The Museum benefits greatly from these generous donations.

Here are examples of in-kind donations accepted:

  • Art Materials (Use your imagination!)
  • Office Supplies
  • Donations of Media Space
  • Technology Items (Printers, computer equipment, software, etc.)
  • Tools and Equipment

The Museum also hosts two auctions during the year at the Celebrate Play! Gala and the Iowa Children’s Open—and is always looking for new and unique live and silent auction items. Each of these events attracts hundreds of the Corridor’s most prominent business leaders, community philanthropists, and individuals who support our mission to inspire every child to imagine, create, discover, and explore through the power of play. Donations of auction items are accepted year round.

Robert E. Yager Student Enrichment Scholarship Fund

The Iowa Children’s Museum has long been a destination of choice by area school teachers as a field trip opportunity for their students. Unfortunately, due to large budget cuts, the ability to take children on field trips is being seriously jeopardized in Iowa schools. The goal of the Robert E. Yager Student Enrichment Scholarship Fund is to empower Iowa school districts to enrich their elementary education curriculum by participating in field trips at The Iowa Children’s Museum that reflect National Education Standards and tie directly to classroom instruction. Scholarships are granted from this fund based on the percentage of students enrolled in the Iowa Free & Reduced Lunch Program.

To donate to this program, click the Annual Fund Drive link to the left and designate the funds to the Robert E. Yager Student Enrichment Scholarship Fund.

ICM for Everyone Program

The Iowa Children’s Museum is dedicated to providing quality informal learning opportunities to all children, regardless of their ability, economic status, cultural heritage, or family structure. The ICM for Everyone Program provides ICM memberships for families in need through the generous donations of individuals, corporations and community organizations. For every ICM membership donated, an economically disadvantaged family or children’s organization (such as MECCA Transitional Housing, DVIP or the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County) will receive a year of unlimited access to the museum’s exhibits and programs. A donation to The ICM for Everyone Program is the perfect way to honor an employee, teach your children about giving, recognize a loved one, help educate a child, or simply show your support for The ICM!

To donate to this program, click the Annual Fund Drive link to the left and designate the funds to ICM for Everyone.

The Iowa Children's Museum
Great deals. Good deeds.
Use Giving Assistant to save money and support The Iowa Children's Museum
Join Giving Assistant free to start donating to The Iowa Children's Museum while you shop at places like Target, eBay, & Bed Bath & Beyond.