Support the Extraordinary
Whether you enjoy the serenity of our nature trails, the dynamic programs we offer adults and children, the model educational benefits we provide for school children and families, or the broad range of our Museum exhibitions, we're so grateful that you value the Stamford Museum & Nature Center.
Grounded in Giving,
Inspired by Your Generosity
Philanthropy is at the heart of all we do. From caring for our beloved farm animals and stewarding our open space, to presenting exhibitions and welcoming thousands of children for hands-on learning, your generosity makes it all possible.
This year, you can help ensure that every corner of the SM&NC continues to thrive for the community we serve.
Make your gift today—and inspire others to join you in supporting this treasured place, so that curiosity, learning and discovery will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Ways to Give
Our campus is at a pivotal time of growth, poised to reach more of the community than ever before, and philanthropy is driving it all. When you think of your end-of-year giving, we hope you will make the Stamford Museum & Nature Center a priority.
- One-time Donations that support the SM&NC’s mission and programs can be made conveniently by Check or Credit Card.
- Corporate Matching Gifts from your employer double your gift in impact! Ask your HR department if your employer offers a matching gift program. If so, your donation to the SM&NC will go twice as far.
- Sustaining Gifts are an unrestricted monthly charitable contribution that supporters can pay in a convenient, ongoing way. These gifts ensure a steady, reliable source of support that helps us to make long-term commitments to important projects and priorities. Join our Sustainer Society and help forge the SM&NC’s future one month at a time.
- Gifts of Appreciated Stock are an often overlooked way to make a year-end donation that may result in substantially higher tax benefits. Not only can you avoid capital gains taxes from selling your securities, but you may also be able to claim a charitable tax deduction for their full fair-market value if you have owned the stock for more than one year.
- If you are 70 ½ years old, an IRA Charitable Rollover provides you with an excellent philanthropic opportunity to make a gift to us without incurring federal income tax on the withdrawal.
Support us with a donation by clicking on the GIVE TODAY button above, or by contacting our Development Office at 203.977.6533.
Grounded in Giving,
Inspired by Your Generosity
Philanthropy is at the heart of all we do. From caring for our beloved farm animals and stewarding our open space, to presenting exhibitions and welcoming thousands of children for hands-on learning, your generosity makes it all possible.
This year, you can help ensure that every corner of the SM&NC continues to thrive for the community we serve.
Make your gift today—and inspire others to join you in supporting this treasured place, so that curiosity, learning and discovery will continue to flourish for generations to come.
Humble Beginnings
From humble beginnings in 1936 in a three-room office in downtown Stamford, we have grown to be Stamford's premier nature-based destination, offering a rich canvas of educational programs, exhibitions, and special events, both as Stamford's Museum and as Stamford's beloved Nature Center.
Our Vision, Your Impact, Their Future
This year, your support comes at a big moment in our nearly 90-year history. In November, we open our new Astronomy Center—revitalizing a core pillar of our Mission, and expanding science and astronomy programming for the community. This milestone reflects what philanthropy makes possible: discovery, growth, wonder, and a deeper connection to the universe and each other.
Your Philanthropy at Work
The SM&NC by the Numbers
As we reflect on the past year, we are deeply grateful for the generosity of our community. Your support enabled us to expand school programs, nurture our animals, and preserve our natural campus for all to enjoy. Your gifts brought these experiences to life:
Our 118-acre nature-based site offered a vital outdoor destination, welcoming 200,000 adults and children — including 3,500 Member households — from Stamford and neighboring communities.
In its 17th year, our SM&NC Aligned-with-the-Schools program’s impact was greater than ever, reaching nearly 30,000 area students in 131 schools with STEAM and environmental programs aligned with school curricula.
17,500 art enthusiasts reveled in our seasonal exhibitions and curatorial programming, which included a groundbreaking dinosaur exhibit in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History.
More than 175,000 people have visited Heckscher WILD! since it opened in 2015. At any given time, it’s home to approximately 50 animals who have visited hundreds of schools and libraries to help teach thousands of programs.
This year, our new Farmergarten pre-K level welcomed an inaugural class of 12 five year olds, while our Art, Nature & Me Preschool immersed 84 three & four year olds in experiential learning. A new dimension of hands-on astronomy education will now inspire our youngest learners.
We are so grateful to our Founding Investors (so far!) in the Campaign for Future Generations who have gotten the Campaign to $9.5 million, however, we still have a ways to go with our fundraising to reach the $15 million goal. We are excited by the Phase II Astronomy Center project envisioned by our Master Plan. Let’s keep going!
