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Ways to Give

SCI engages and inspires Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning.

Thanks to the support of our generous donors, SCI provides innovative and engaging science education for audiences of all ages. Our professional staff members research, plan and implement activities, programs and learning experiences that make learning fun. We firmly believe in the value of the work we do and the services we provide the people of Iowa and beyond. Your donation makes a difference!

Donate Now

Explore the other ways you can give to SCI:

  • Donate to Our Mission
  • Endow Iowa Fund
  • Matching Gifts
  • Gifts of Stock
  • In-kind Donations
  • Legacy Giving
  • School Field Trip Scholarships
  • Special Projects
  • United Way: Designating Your Gift 

Donate to Our Mission

Individuals, family foundations and corporations provide general support for SCI’s commitment to advancing STEM learning and commitment to engaging and inspiring lifelong learners for all ages. General support allows SCI leaders to leverage funds and channel financial resources to make the largest impact. Donate Now.

Endow Iowa Fund

The SCI Endow Iowa Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines supports the mission and vision of the Science Center of Iowa. Together, the nonprofit organizations provide comprehensive services from pre-conception to end of life. Endow Iowa allows taxpayers to receive a 25% Iowa tax credit in addition to normal federal charitable income tax deductions for certain charitable gifts.

To make a gift to the Science Center of Iowa Endow Iowa Fund, contact SCI's Development Team at development@sciowa.org or 515-274-6868 ext. 257.

Matching Gifts

Many companies offer matching gift programs that will double or even triple a donation's value. Check with your company to find out if it will match your donation to the Science Center of Iowa. If you have questions about your company's matching gift program, please contact your human resources department.

Once you have determined that your company will match donations made to SCI, obtain the appropriate matching gift verification form. Complete the entire donor portion of the form and submit with your donation. If you have already sent your donation, without the matching form, it can be mailed separately to:

Science Center of Iowa
Attn: Development Department
401 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy
Des Moines, IA 50309

Our staff will complete the information required by the charity on the matching gifts form and return to your company. Questions? Please contact the SCI Development Coordinator at 515-274-6868 ext. 257.

Gifts of Stock

The Science Center of Iowa accepts donations of publicly traded stock or mutual funds. Donors who have owned stocks or mutual funds for more than one year that have grown in value generally enjoy greater tax savings. Gifts of stock, like all donations to SCI, are essential to the organization’s mission of engaging and inspiring Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning.

In-kind Donations

In-kind donations of goods and services are essential to the Science Center of Iowa. Whether you are looking to provide supplies for summer campers, donate office equipment or share some time, SCI has many options for in-kind donations.

Legacy Giving

A legacy gift is a method of supporting nonprofits and charities enabling philanthropic donors to make larger gifts than they could make from their income. A donor can use cash, appreciated securities/stock, real estate, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance, a retirement plan and more to make a planned gift. The benefits of funding a planned gift can make this type of charitable giving attractive to both the donor and SCI.

To initiate a legacy gift, please contact SCI's Development Team at development@sciowa.org or 515-274-6868 ext 257.

School Field Trip Scholarships

Students from across Iowa visit SCI each year with schools, providing opportunities for rural and urban communities alike to experience science learning. Providing a scholarship for a school group allows students with a unique, hands-on day at SCI.

Special Projects

Every year, the Science Center of Iowa receives generous support from companies and groups who collaborate with us to grow our mission. Supporting these activities helps advance science education and learning across our state. 

United Way: Designating Your Gift

When you contribute to United Way, you can designate your gift to the Science Center of Iowa. Considerate donors have helped make SCI a resource and leader in informal science education across the state.

Questions?

Contact SCI's Development Team at development@sciowa.org or 515-274-6868 ext. 257.