The Annual Fund

What is the Annual Fund?

The SMV Foundation Annual Fund is a pool of unrestricted gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations. It supports the Science Museum of Virginia’s general operating budget and allows the museum to create the exhibitions, programs and events that rank it among the very best hands-on science centers in the nation. Your contributions help us serve the entire community!

Gifts to the annual giving campaign are entirely separate from membership dues and are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

How can I help?

There are many ways to contribute to the Annual Fund and all gifts, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated. We are pleased to offer secure online giving, or you may send your gift or pledge by U.S. mail, fax, e-mail or pay by credit card over the phone.

Online Giving: Make a contribution today!
Postal Mail: You may send a personal check to
Science Museum of Virginia Foundation
PO Box 11624
Richmond, VA 23230-0624
Fax: Please fax a completed Annual Fund Gift Form (PDF 86 KB) to the Science Museum of Virginia foundation office at (804) 864-1550.
E-mail: Send an email to annualfund@smv.org and a member of the Foundation staff will contact you.
Phone: Please call (804) 864-1540 and a member of the foundation staff will be happy to assist you with your transaction.
Securities: For gifts of securities, the Foundation has an account with most major brokerage firms. Should you wish to make this type of gift please contact the Foundation office at (804) 864-1542.

Matching gifts

Matching gifts are company-donated contributions that match the contributions made by employees of that company, sometimes on a one-to-one, two-to-one, or even a three-to-one basis. Eligible donors can often double and in some cases, triple the value of their gift through employer matching gift programs. For more information on matching gift eligibility, please ask your employer or contact the Science Museum of Virginia Foundation at (804) 864-1542.

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Join our fundraising partner, Benevolink, and make your everyday shopping count for more! It’s free, secure and you’ll earn 5%-7% or more based on your spending for the Science Museum of Virginia. Log on to Benevolink to begin supporting the Science Museum today!

Contact

Kinsey Peeler
Director of Annual Giving
PO Box 11624
Richmond VA 23230
tel 804-864-1542
fax 804-864-1550
kpeeler@smv.org

Top Ten Reasons to Support The Annual Fund

10: For the United States to remain an innovative world leader, children today need to learn and understand the basic concepts of science, math and technology.
9: Rapid developments in math and science demand that the Science Museum of Virginia continue to update and expand science education opportunities for its visitors and program participants.
8: Through teacher workshops, live theater, programs for underserved students, outreach to Virginia's schools, and much, much more, the Science Museum of Virginia makes science fun, engaging, exciting and relevant.
7: Hundreds of permanent exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to experiment, learn, explore and delve into scientific concepts.
6: SMV educational efforts go far beyond the walls of our museums and bring science fun to schools, daycare centers, fairs, parks and libraries.
5: Annually the After-School Enrichment program provides hands-on educational opportunities to over 40 different elementary and middle schools in Richmond and surrounding areas.
4: Science SOL scores are soaring among underserved students served by Science Museum outreach programs.
3: The Science Museum is a source of continuing adult education. Museum scientists and others share easy to understand information on a wide range of fascinating topics that allow adults to keep up with current science news and health concerns.
2: Your support helps keep our doors open to the entire community - including those limited by financial or geographical barriers.
1: We couldn't do it without you! The Science Museum receives just less than 50% of its funding from the Commonwealth --- the remainder comes from private donors who care passionately about science education.

Your gift will provide inspiration today to tomorrow's science pioneers and help grow a museum that continues to be a leader among science centers!