Special delivery! See our visiting baby camels (Dec. 6–19) and yaks (Dec. 20–Jan. 5) this holiday. Learn more
Be a partner in our mission
From once-in-a-lifetime breakthroughs in the field to everyday aha! moments under our Living Roof, the Academy is a wellspring of discovery—and it's all made possible by our generous donors. Join today to advance critical biodiversity research, innovate STEM education, and introduce over a million guests to the transformative power of the natural world, every year.
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Get closer to Academy science and play a role in the critical discoveries that lie ahead.
$1,500 and above
Friends Circle donors receive all member benefits, plus:
Museum access
- Complimentary admission for up to 6 adults and accompanying children (17 and younger) for one year
- Express entry throughout the building (see map)
- Complimentary admission to NightLife (21+ with ID) for up to 6 adults
- Personal assistance with live phone support
- Optional admission card for a caregiver
- Complimentary locker usage
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- Invitation to the Friends Family Breakfast, our annual holiday celebration
- Invitation to the Annual Academy Open House featuring scientists and curators
- Invitation to exhibit and planetarium show premieres
- Invitation to Member Nights
- Access to Members' Month programming
- Subscription to Donor eNews
Complimentary passes
- 4 Daytime Admission passes to share
- 4 NightLife passes to share
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $1,500-$4,999+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $1,500-$2,999.99 is $97.50. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
$3,000 and above
Receive all above benefits, plus:
Museum access
- Access to the private Donor Lounge located in the museum
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- A behind-the-scenes collections tour
- Complimentary admission to the Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lectures
- Invitation to the Lilienthal Lecture and reception with a guest speaker
- Invitation to the BigPicture premiere and reception with a guest speaker
Complimentary passes and more
- 2 additional Daytime Admission passes to share (6 total)
- 2 Daytime VIP Tour passes
- A complimentary glass of sparkling wine when dining at The Terrace
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $1,500-$4,999+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $3,000-$5,999.99 is $267. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
$6,000 and above
Receive all above benefits, plus:
Museum access
- A complimentary Academy membership to gift to a recipient of your choice
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- A special movie night in Morrison Planetarium
- A reception with the guest speaker preceding a Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture
Complimentary passes
- 2 NightLife VIP Experience passes
- 2 additional Daytime Admission passes to share (8 total)
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $5,000-$9,999+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $6,000-$9,999.99 is $598. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
Receive all above benefits, plus:
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- Invitation to a bespoke behind-the-scenes collections tour led by an Academy scientist
- Opportunity to experience a guided tour of a museum exhibit
- Invitation to join a Local Expedition with Academy scientists
- Access to the Academy’s Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability Seminar Series
- A priority invitation to the iconic Big Bang Gala
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $10,000-$24,999+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $10,000-$24,999.99 is $598. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
Advance the Academy’s major initiatives and get to know the science and the experts behind the scenes.
$25,000 and above
Leadership Circle donors receive all above benefits, plus:
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- A behind-the-scenes tour of either our green building designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Renzo Piano with an operational engineer or Steinhart Aquarium with Senior Director Bart Shepherd
- A second Local Expedition with Academy scientists to visit an area of ecological importance
- Biannual family-friendly Junior Expeditions featuring hands-on activities and live animal encounters
- Priority preference and discounted rates to book the California Academy of Sciences for your special event
Complimentary passes
- Donation of 4 Daytime Admission tickets to a charity of your choice
- A Friends Circle ($1,500) membership to gift to the recipient of your choice
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $25,000-$49,999+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $25,000-$49,999.99 is $2,098. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
Receive all above benefits, plus:
Museum access
- Feature an Academy scientist, educator, or specialist as a speaker at your private event (within 50 miles)
- The opportunity to enjoy a private behind-the-scenes collections tour for you and 7 guests, followed by lunch with the scientist/tour guide
- The opportunity to use the Academy’s Board Room, free of charge, for a personal or business event
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- A dedicated personal concierge to create bespoke opportunities for your family for every visit
- A dedicated Academy guide to facilitate one of your visits (up to 2 ½ hours)
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $50,000+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $50,000-$99,999.99 is $2,436. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
Make a transformative impact on the future of the Academy and enjoy direct access to Academy leadership.
$100,000 and above
Director's Circle donors receive all above benefits, plus:
Museum access
- The opportunity to host a private catered dinner for 4 in one of the Academy's magical venues
Events and programs (in-person and virtual)
- Invitations to attend annual salon events with the Executive Director
- Invitation to the biennial Appreciation Luncheon, featuring research updates from Academy scientists
- Opportunity to participate in private customized experiences. Examples of experiences Director’s Circle donors have done in the past:
- A tour of the African penguin habitat and the special opportunity to observe them up close
- An early morning butterfly encounter in Osher Rainforest before it opens to the public
- A visit to the Hope for Reefs Coral Spawning Lab
- Private Junior Expedition, Bioblitz, or youth environmental learning activity for your child and their class at the Academy
- Annual invitation to join Academy leadership on an international trip designed with exclusive access to stimulating lectures, renowned research collections, and more
- The opportunity to arrange a custom, all-access behind-the-scenes Academy tour for a group of 20-guests and/or lunch with the Academy’s Executive Director
Recognition
- Recognition for cumulative contributions of $100,000+ to the Academy annually between July 1 and June 30 in the Annual Report, Digital Donor Wall, and Academy website, updated every fall.
Donor events and certain benefits are subject to change to ensure the health and safety of our guests. The fair market value of gifts $100,000+ is $3,186. You may choose to waive the complimentary passes benefits to make your gift fully tax deductible.
Leave a lasting legacy for the museum you love by setting up your planned gift today.
Eastwood Associates
Eastwood Associates—those who have notified the Academy of their plan to name the Academy as a beneficiary of their will, living trust, IRA or estate plan—receive member benefits and more in appreciation of their future gift commitments:
Museum access
- Complimentary admission for 2 adults and accompanying children (17 and younger)
Events and programs
- Invitations to exclusive Eastwood Associate events such as:
- Eastwood Associates Appreciation program
- Legacy of Hope seminars
- Donor premieres for new exhibits and planetarium shows
- Other special programs curated for our closest supporters
- Invitations to member events, Member Nights, and Members’ Month programming
- Subscription to Donor eNews
- Special communications
Recognition
- Eastwood Associates are listed in the Annual Report, digital donor wall, the Academy website and other special materials. (You may also choose to remain anonymous and still receive the associated benefits).
Contact us to learn more and enroll.
Donor events and benefits are subject to change. The California Academy of Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 94-1156258, eligible to receive qualified charitable distributions.
Celebrate your family’s support of the Academy—and leave a legacy that will endure and inspire for generations.
Explore Cal Academy's accomplishments and view financial information from the last fiscal year.
Learn more about upcoming Legacy Match Challenges to benefit the Academy.
Embark on a Local Expedition with Academy scientists and experience Bay Area biodiversity like an insider.
Find out if you can double the impact of your Academy donation with a matching gift from your employer.
Hear inspiring stories from donors about how the benefits of supporting the Academy go both ways.
Give with confidence
The Academy has earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid and a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.
Additional resources
Learn more about how to direct or increase your support to the Academy through matching gifts, gifts of stock, wire transfers, and more.
Donor concierge
We welcome questions and comments from current and prospective donors.
(415) 379-5405