Giving to the Center

The Center relies on private and public contributions, grants, and sponsorships to support its programs. Although the Center is part of America’s National Museum, the vast majority of our funding comes from program-related private and public grants, gifts, sponsorships, and bequeaths. Most contributions are tax-deductible.

Make your donation now:

Use the form to the right to become a supporter today!

Other ways you can you help:

In-Kind Support

In-kind support is needed for many Center projects. From the myriad items needed to produce the annual Folklife Festival to the audio and high-tech equipment that runs our music preservation and dissemination projects, in-kind support is a big reason the Center accomplishes so much each year.

Individual Support

The Center relies on the support of individuals to continue our mission. Tax-deductible contributions of all denominations are welcome. Please write your check to Smithsonian Institution and send it to:

Attn: Development
Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
P.O. Box 37012, MRC 520
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

Foundation Support

Foundations provide major support to the Center each year to support cultural heritage, preservation, and development.

Corporate Support

Through our Corporate Sponsorship Program, the Center looks to business leaders for critical program support, often with strong returns in marketing, PR, brand awareness, and government relations. Attuned to business needs and interests, the Center offers a means for corporations to align their brand with the Smithsonian and show their commitment to cultural democracy, heritage, history, and preservation. In turn, the Center provides corporate sponsors an array of benefits—in an exciting cultural and educational environment.

Corporate benefits may include:

• Internal recognition at the Center of Folklife and Cultural Heritage through promotional signage, print projects, annual reports, and video/web media;
• External recognition through publications, advertising, and promotions;
• Special events such as receptions at the Smithsonian Castle or museums;
• VIP tours and other opportunities for special Folklife Festival events; and
• A wide range of other direct marketing activities.

Corporate Support of the Festival
The Festival advances branding, public relations, government affairs, and marketing objectives for corporate supporters. Contact the Development office at 202.633.1110 to find out more about how to create a partnership supporting cultural heritage at America’s museum.

Leave a Legacy

Charitable contributions to the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage can have benefits that last a lifetime—and beyond. A bequest or life-income gift that includes the Center will support cultural heritage, preservation, celebration, and education for generations to come.

Your legacy can be made in a variety of ways: through a bequest in your will, a charitable gift annuity that returns income for life to you, or a charitable trust. Often, these gifts have dramatic tax and financial rewards for donors.

As a part of the Smithsonian, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Gifts of all denominations are welcomed, and may include cash, securities, and other gifts. Unrestricted contributions may be made in any amount, and are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Contact the Center’s development office to find out more about how to support cultural heritage at America’s museum. Email or contact us via phone or mail:

Cynthia Jacobs Carter
CarterCJ@si.edu
202.633.1110

Smithsonian Institution
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
PO Box 37012 MRC 520
Washington, D.C. 20013-7012