Foundation Giving

Students doing fossil prep in the VP lab

Foundation grants enable our museums to serve a diverse audience with compelling science and cultural programming and year-round access to our collections. 

Philanthropic contributions make a difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of museum visitors and program participants, including some of the most underserved students and teachers in the nation. Whether supporting our robust educational programs, festivals and events—both "live" and virtual—, scientific research, community science, or timely exhibitions, the impact is significant.

By aligning our common interests, we offer foundations an opportunity to invest in the future of our community while helping to advance our mission to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. 

  • Engage youth in inclusive, science-based education and career training opportunities.
  • Support teacher development, critical classroom resources, and distance learning opportunities for L.A.’s most under-resourced districts.
  • Expand community access, from free, in-person field trips to a new virtual model connecting thousands of students, teachers, and families to our museums online.
  • Underwrite the important research of our scientists and historians and advance knowledge for generations to come
  • Inspire joy through your philanthropy 

NHMLAC is grateful to the foundation community for supporting this important work. Recognition and naming opportunities are available for grants of greater scope and significance. 

Contact

To learn how our current funding opportunities might align with your organization's priorities, please contact Dana Earl, Senior Director of Institutional Giving, at dearl@nhm.org or 213.763.3315.


The following funders generously provided annual support for our School and Teacher Programs and other special museum projects between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. 

$100,000+

The Ahmanson Foundation
Annenberg Foundation
Anonymous
California Institute for Biodiversity
Vera R. Campbell Foundation
County of Los Angeles
Edgerton Foundation
W. M. Keck Foundation
National Science Foundation
The Rose Hills Foundation
Santa Monica Westside Legacy Fund for Women and Girls
The Seaver Institute

$50,000+

Association of Science and Technology Centers 
BCM Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
Henry L. Guenther Foundation
David B. Jones Foundation
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation
Steinmetz Foundation
The Stone Family Fund
S. Mark Taper Foundation
The Flora L. Thornton Foundation

$25,000+

Anonymous
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
The Pipkin Family Foundation
Quest Foundation
Steven & LeAnne Schwartz Foundation
Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

$10,000+

The California Wellness Foundation
Johnny Carson Foundation
Ducommun and Gross Family Foundation
Brad Lemons Foundation
I.N. and Susanna H. Van Nuys Foundation

$5,000+

Acton Family Giving
Mara W. Breech Foundation
The J. Paul Getty Trust
Glendale College Foundation
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust in memory of Betty S. and Marvin Hoffenberg