Today, the University Museums’ permanent collection is comprised of works of art donated by more than 500 benefactors.  Many more have been acquired, curated, restored and maintained through the ongoing support of our members and donors. These collections are used to teach visual literacy and creative thinking to Iowa State students - encouraging an understanding of art that can be applied to their specific areas of study and fostering lifelong advocates of the cultural arts.

New and continued support ensures that we can provide quality exhibitions and educational programming and remain admission free for all to enjoy.  Your support ensures that the University Museums remains an integral and vital component of Iowa State. Last year alone we presented over twenty exhibitions, sixty educational programs, acquired over a thousand objects, and served over thirty-six thousand Iowa State students.  Where else can students, as well as the public, be educated, entertained and inspired – all for free! 

Ways to give

While the Iowa State University budget supports the University Museums' administrative expenses, private dollars and government grants fund the museums’ education programs, exhibitions, conservation, scholarship, student internships, publications and special projects. The University Museums’ success depends on the generosity of our many devoted donors. A financial gift to the University Museums demonstrates your support of this unique cultural organization and maintains the museums’ reputation as a leader among university art museums and National Historic Landmark sites. Cumulative gifts over $15,000 are recognized in museum publications, providing a permanent legacy of generosity. If you wish, gifts can be made in honor or in memory of a special friend or relative.

For more information about ways to give, please contact Lynette Pohlman, director and chief curator (515.294.6966, lpohlman@iastate.edu), or Kelly Applegate, director of development (515.531.0102, kapplegate@foundation.iastate.edu).

  • Give Art

    Generous donors who have contributed paintings, prints, sculpture and decorative arts. Major collections donated to the museum include the Brunnier Art Collection, the Lagerstrom Collection, the Helen and Rex Cook Art Glass Collection, the M. Burton Drexler Collection and W. Allen Perry Collection of Asian Art.

  • Give to the Acquisitions Fund

    Designate your gift to the Art Purchase Fund to help add significant new works of art to the permanent collection. The University Museums relies on annual earnings from the Art Purchase Fund to acquire museum-quality works of art for the permanent collection.

  • Give to the General Fund (Fund for Excellence)

    Contributions in any amount may be made for operating support to maintain the current activities of the museum, including exhibitions, educational programs, conservation, collection management and special events.

  • Planned Giving

    Create the legacy of culture, aesthetics, history, and art for decades to come, transforming the way generations of Iowa Staters experience and understand art and their environment—and thereby transforming the world. Designate University Museums as the recipient of a will, trust, or other deferred giving plan that may include annuities, pooled income funds, and charitable remainder trusts.

  • In-Kind Donations

    University Museums rely on donations of in-kind goods and services to support its program and reduce costs. Contributions such as refreshments for events, technology, and storage space have been crucial to the success of recent programs. Corresponding opportunities for recognition are available.

Corporate support and sponsorship

Corporate Support

The University Museums offers opportunities for large and small businesses to be an active part of the museum. Corporate membership provides vital funding for the museum's programs and activities. In turn, corporations receive benefits that offer community recognition and opportunities for company employees and representatives to experience museum exhibitions and programs. Benefits increase with each membership level.

More information

Rachael Karriker, director of development
515-294-0546
rkarriker@foundation.iastate.edu

Sponsorship Opportunities

University Museums offer businesses opportunities to support special projects such as exhibitions, educational programs and special events. Sponsorships of exhibitions, for example, provide businesses and corporations with additional visibility through name/logo recognition on the gallery walls, on the museum's website, in press releases related to the exhibition, and in printed announcements. Benefits of corporate membership are given to companies who sponsor museum exhibitions and programs.

In-Kind Donations

University Museums rely on corporate/business donations of in-kind goods and services to support its program and reduce costs. Contributions such as refreshments for events, technology, and storage space have been crucial to the success of recent programs. Corresponding opportunities for recognition are available.

More information

Lynette Pohlman, director and chief curator
515.294.6966
lpohlman@iastate.edu

Kelly Applegate, director of development
515.531.0102
kapplegate@foundation.iastate.edu