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, Government and Foundation Relations Director, 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, 2023 and June 30, 2024. 

$100,000+

Vera R. Campbell Foundation
Anonymous
W. M. Keck Foundation
The Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation
The Seaver Institute

$50,000+

BCM Foundation
The Ahmanson Foundation
Joseph Drown Foundation
Lakeview Foundation
Steinmetz Foundation
The Stone Family Fund
The Flora L. Thornton Foundation

$25,000+

California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program
Quest Foundation
The John H. and Cynthia Lee Smet Foundation

$10,000+

The William C. Bannerman Foundation
Johnny Carson Foundation
The John Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation
Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation
Brad Lemons Foundation
The Pipkin Family Foundation 

$5,000+

Acton Family Giving
Santa Monica/Westside Legacy Fund for Women and Girls
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust in memory of Betty S. and Marvin Hoffenberg
I.N. and Susanna H. Van Nuys Foundation