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!
Individual Donations
Giving Week
Step into the wildest competition of the year! During McWane’s Giving Week, you can cast your vote for the ultimate fan-favorite Animal Ambassador by making a donation. Each dollar you give powers up your favorite animal, pushing them one step closer to victory in this epic showdown. Will it be the slithering snakes, the majestic stingrays, or the curious turtles that takes the title? It’s up to you! Donate, vote, and watch your champion rise to the top in this thrilling battle for animal supremacy. Every dollar counts and directly supports the care of these amazing creatures!
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.
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
Give A Turtle
Give the care and feeding of a turtle and friends in 2024 for a birthday or other special occasion. Your $1,000 gift comes with named recognition of the honoree. Give a unique gift in 2024…the care and feeding of a turtle and its friends in the Cahaba River Biorama at McWane Science Center. The person you choose will receive named recognition in the World of Water for 2024 and a cool turtle picture letting them know they have been honored!! And they can schedule a private “back-of-house tour” with McWane Science Center staff. Or visit “their” turtle when they come for a birthday party. Click below to make a $1,000 gift supporting animal care in 2024.
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) 714-8359.
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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.
