Want to connect with the Advancement team?
Contact us:
704.916.2581
development@discoveryplace.org
For direct mail:
Discovery Place
ATTN: Development
301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Meet Our Corporate Partners
Become a Discovery Circles Charter Member
Be a leader for science and nature education and help us build a greener Charlotte. Your leadership gift supports science and nature education at all our museums including the new, world-class Charlotte Museum of Nature.
Discovery Circles membership includes all of the benefits that come with our standard memberships, plus unlimited admission to ALL Discovery Place Museums.
Discovery Circles membership is more than a donation—it’s a gateway to unforgettable experiences.
With three donation levels, you can select the impact and engagement level that’s right for you. Charter Members who join during this limited-time inaugural campaign will also receive:
- 6-month extension to your annual membership, ensuring early access to Charlotte Museum of Nature, opening in 2026
- Charter Member lapel pin to identify you during museum visits
Join the Discovery Circles
Celebrate your commitment to science, nature, and design as a Charter Member of the Discovery Circles – a new philanthropic community dedicated to the support of Discovery Place Museums, including the new Charlotte Museum of Nature, opening in 2026.
Discovery Circles Charter Members at the $1,000 Explorer level enjoy:
- All of the benefits that come with our standard memberships, plus:
- 18-month membership to all Discovery Place museums for 6 family members, including the new Charlotte Museum of Nature, opening in 2026
- A dedicated donor concierge
- Annual behind-the-scenes tour
- VIP Meet & Greet events
- Donor exclusive events, exhibition previews, and receptions
- Charter Member lapel pin to identify you during museum visits
- 20% additional discount off membership rate for Science on the Rocks
Fair Market Value: $288 ($712 Tax Deductible). To waive benefits and make your donation fully tax deductible click here or contact development@discoveryplace.org
Discovery Circles Charter Members at the $5,000 Supporter level enjoy:
- All the benefits of the $1,000 Explorer level plus:
- 18-month membership to all Discovery Place museums for 8 family members, including the new Charlotte Museum of Nature, opening in 2026
- Caregiver membership card, with access to all Discovery Place museums for 4 people
- Complimentary tickets to Science on the Rocks
- Director for a Day experience at Discovery Place Kids locations
Fair Market Value: $576 ($4,424 Tax Deductible). To waive benefits and make your donation fully tax deductible click here or contact development@discoveryplace.org
Discovery Circles Charter Members at the $10,000 Patron level enjoy:
- All the benefits of the $5,000 Supporter level plus:
- 18-month membership to all Discovery Place museums for 10 family members, including the new Charlotte Museum of Nature, opening in 2026
- Curated private tours and experiences
- Free parking at Discovery Place Science
- Complimentary planetarium shows
Fair Market Value: $576 ($9,424 Tax Deductible). To waive benefits and make your donation fully tax deductible click here or contact development@discoveryplace.org
Member Benefits
- FREE Museum admission all year long
- Discounted IMAX documentaries
- 20% off concessions
- Members-only events
- Pre-sale access to Summer Camps
- Discounted Birthday Parties and Summer Camps
- Discounts in Museum stores and café
- 25% off guest admission tickets
- Discounted parking at Discovery Place Science
For questions about the Discovery Circles, contact:
Lucy Livingstone
Director of Individual Giving
LLivingstone@discoveryplace.org
704.645.0638
For questions about all other memberships click here:
Honor Someone Special with a Memorial Gift
If you have a loved one whose passion for science, education or our community has inspired you, making a memorial or gift tribute to Discovery Place is a meaningful way to honor them or celebrate a special occasion, such as a birthday, while supporting our mission.
Your gift will extend the legacy of your loved one and make a difference that impacts generations.
All memorial and tribute gifts will be acknowledged through a personal note to the person or family of the person being honored.
Employer Matching Program
Did you know you can easily double your impact on Discovery Place by having your employer match your donations?
That’s right.
Here are a few other facts you might not know:
- 65% of Fortune 500 companies offer matching gift programs and 92% of surveyed companies offer at least one kind of employee matching gift program.
- Over 25 million people work for companies with matching gift programs.
- An estimated $2-3 billion is donated through matching gift programs annually.
By doubling your donation of:
- $15, you can supply a new book for one of our Storytimes
- $25, you can provide all the materials for a hands-on activity in the exhibition galleries
- $50, you can cover a full day of internship assistance for our Living Collections
- $125, you can support a wow-inducing science show at our Cool Stuff Stage in Discovery Place Science
Make a gift now and double your impact!
Here’s how:
1. Pick your donation amount and frequency, then click “continue.”
2. Click the “Employer matching” button and type in your company’s name.
3. Choose your employer’s name in the list and continue to the next page to fill out the remaining donation form.
4. Once the transaction is completed, you will receive an email containing a link that takes you directly to your employer’s matching gift program’s submission form.
5. Submit your match request!
Corporate Giving
Ever wonder how your company can support the next generation of doers, thinkers and innovators?
Invest in the future
With philanthropic investment and hands-on engagement from our corporate partners, we are working to develop a home-grown STEM workforce while building a scientifically literate community. There are many ways to engage in the delivery of Discovery Place’s mission, including joining our corporate circle, sponsoring an exhibition, film or program and volunteering.
To discuss designing a partnership that meets your business objectives and advances our mission, contact:
Audra Acey
Corporate and Foundation Relations Specialist
AAcey@discoveryplace.org
Planned Giving
The Legacy Society recognizes donors who have included Discovery Place in their estate plans, ensuring that future generations will benefit from transformative experiences at our multiple locations across greater Charlotte.
Already included Discovery Place in your estate plans? Let us know!
Robert Koch, Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving, is available to have a confidential, no obligation conversation about how establishing a planned gift for Discovery Place can help you realize your philanthropic goals.
Get in touch with Robert at:
704.348.1970
rkoch@discoveryplace.org
301 North Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28202
Other unique ways to support Discovery Place
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
Discovery Place has established relationships with organizations managing Donor-Advised Funds (DAF), including community foundations and sponsoring charities. Donating through your DAF is easy and rewarding. Your generous support helps us continue to deliver engaging exhibits and educational programs. Take action now and make a lasting impact by contributing through your DAF today!
EIN: 56-0529944
Stocks, Bonds and Wire Transfer
Donating to Discovery Place through wire transfer is quick, secure, and ideal for larger gifts. It ensures your donation reaches the Museums promptly with minimal fees, maximizing the impact of your contribution. Plus, it’s a straightforward process with your bank, making it a convenient option for generous donors like you.
You can also donate your publicly-traded securities to Discovery Place and enjoy potential savings on income and capital gains taxes.
This could be a great option for you if:
- You’ve owned publicly-traded securities for at least a year
- These securities have appreciated in value since you acquired them
- They provide little or no income.
Ready to show your support?
Your gift helps Discovery Place spark a love for lifelong learning in thousands of Charlotte residents and visitors from across the world every year.
Interested in donating by check? Please be sure to include your name, address and phone number, and mail it to:
Discovery Place
Attn: Development
301 N Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
We may accept animal surrenders on a case-by-case basis. Animals that we do not accept are dogs, cats, parakeets, cockatiels, green iguanas, bearded dragons, Pacman Frogs, Leopard geckos, and most turtles and freshwater fish.
If your animal’s species is not listed above, please contact Lucy Livingstone (704.972.4904 or llivingstone@discoveryplace.org) for more information.
For all in-kind donations, please contact Lucy Livingstone (704.972.4904 or llivingstone@discoveryplace.org).
To request a donation, please complete this form.
Yes, Discovery Place is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, making your donation to us is tax-deductible as allowed by current law. Please be sure to keep a copy of your receipt.
Thank you for your support!
Contact us:
704.916.2581
development@discoveryplace.org
For direct mail:
Discovery Place
ATTN: Development
301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
