Make Science Come Alive
As a nonprofit institution, McWane Science Center relies on generous contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, and public agencies. Your donation helps us maintain our many science literacy programs and world-class exhibits while also ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to do science!
How We Use Your Donations
At McWane Science Center, we believe that “science people” are the ones that help solve our world’s challenges. We’re not only talking about doctors, engineers, research scientists, and other science-based professionals. We also mean the everyday citizens that love science, think creatively, use science-processing skills to solve problems, speak up in defense of our planet, and thrive in exploration and discovery. McWane’s purpose is to inspire “science people.” With your help, we will continue to succeed!
Individual Donations
Power of 10
The Power of 10 is a fund set aside to serve children typically underrepresented in science centers—specifically, children from low-income homes and disadvantaged communities. Your support will give these young minds access to field trips, outreach programs, and camps, as well as support for teachers serving at-risk youth.
Planned Giving
McWane Science Center is honored to accept donations made as part of an individual’s financial or estate plan. Whether through a will, retirement assets (IRA, 401k, etc.), or property, individuals at all income levels can make a meaningful contribution to our science center through a planned gift. If you would like more information or if you have already made a provision for McWane Science Center, please contact the Development Department at (205) 714-8219 or mspringer@mcwane.org.
Animal Fund
Did you know McWane Science Center is home to a diverse community of Animal Ambassadors? We house sharks, stingrays, and other creatures from habitats around the world (and around the block!). Many of our Ambassadors help us spread a love of learning and nature to children throughout Alabama through outreach, field trips, and museum programming. All of our animals, native and non-native, are a crucial part of our educational mission.
Help us support our furry—and feathered, and scaly!—friends with a donation to McWane Science Center’s Animal Fund. Your gift helps us cover the costs of food, medical care, and a healthy environment for each of our Animal Ambassadors.
Endowment Giving
The Endowment for McWane Science Center is a restricted fund governed by a volunteer Endowment Board of Directors to support the long-term sustainability of the museum. A percentage of the earnings from the fund is distributed to the museum annually, allowing us to continue our important work while the fund keeps growing. Gifts to the fund can be restricted to exhibits, programs, building maintenance, operating, or other special projects.
A gift to the Endowment Fund is a gift that will spark wonder and curiosity for a lifetime. For more information, contact our Development Department at (205) 714-8219 or mspringer@mcwane.org.
Ways to Give
Donate by Phone
If you prefer to provide your payment information over the phone, you may call our Development Department directly at (205) 714-8219.
Workplace Matching Gifts
Did you know? Many employers will match your donations! If your company offers this benefit, you could double your annual gift. Ask your Human Resources department if your company participates. If so, you may email your matching gift form to mspringer@mcwane.org.
Gifts of Stock
Gifts of appreciated securities can provide greater tax benefits than an equivalent cash gift. Please notify our Development Department of your intent to donate this way by calling (205) 714-8219 or emailing mspringer@mcwane.org.
Please provide your name, contact information, stock name, and the number of shares. We will provide you with instructions for your broker.
Donate by Mail
You may mail a check to our Development Department at:
McWane Science Center
Development Office
200 19th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
Make checks payable to McWane Science Center.
Donation FAQs
You can make a one-time donation to the McWane Center, or make a continuing contribution on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Just check the appropriate box on the form!
Yes! McWane Science Center is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your taxes, please keep your emailed donation receipt as your official record. We’ll send it to you upon the successful completion of your donation.
For individual donors interested in giving $250 or more, we offer recognition and additional perks. Individual donors are identified at each level by the names of accomplished scientists throughout history. For more information and to find out how you can become a Donor Member, visit the Donor Membership Program page.
