Support Your Smithsonian
The Smithsonian began with a single philanthropic gift
James Smithson believed knowledge benefited everyone, and that sharing it freely could change the world for the better. That's why he left his legacy to America with instructions to create an establishment "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." More than 178 years and generations of donors later, the Smithsonian is the largest museum, research, and education complex in the world. That's the power a single gift can have. Your support makes today's Smithsonian possible.
Join the campaign for our shared future
The Smithsonian has launched an ambitious campaign to raise $2.5 billion to build a better shared future. Learn more about the institution’s unique public-private partnership and how we plan to our plan extend our reach and impact across four priority areas: Advancing Sustainability and Discovery; Illuminating the Nation’s Past; Opening Pathways to New Knowledge; and Powering Creativity and Innovation.
Ways to Give
Friends of the Smithsonian Membership
At the heart of the Smithsonian’s achievements in preservation, conversation, and discovery are the people who sustain our commitment to celebrating our nation’s history and fostering future knowledge.
Benefits and membership levels
Leave a Legacy
Employer Matching Gifts
Corporate Membership
Have questions about supporting the Smithsonian?
The Impact of Your Gift
Your gift fuels innovation, inspiration and exploration for lifelong learners everywhere. See recent highlights in our latest issue of IMPACT.
Slideshow
Featured Donor Stories
Cherishing Cultural Heritage
Safeguarding a More Resilient Future
America's Story in Portraits