James Smithson believed knowledge benefited everyone, and that sharing it freely could change the world for the better. That's why he left his legacy to America with instructions to create an establishment "for the increase and diffusion of knowledge." More than 178 years and generations of donors later, the Smithsonian is the largest museum, research and education complex in the world. That's the power a single gift can have.
The Smithsonian has launched an ambitious campaign to raise $2.5 billion to build a better shared future. Learn more about the institution’s unique public-private partnership and how we plan to our plan extend our reach and impact across four priority areas: Advancing Sustainability and Discovery; Illuminating the Nation’s Past; Opening Pathways to New Knowledge; and Powering Creativity and Innovation. Learn more and join the campaign »
Ways to Give
Friends of the Smithsonian
At the heart of the Smithsonian’s achievements in preservation, conversation, and discovery are the people who sustain our commitment to celebrating our nation’s history and fostering future knowledge. Learn more about Friends of the Smithsonian membership, giving levels, and benefits »
The Impact of Your Gift
Your gift fuels innovation, inspiration and exploration for lifelong learners everywhere. See recent highlights in our latest issue of IMPACT.
