In an increasingly urban world, the University of Minnesota Bell Museum of Natural History's science, exhibits, and education experiences engage Minnesotans of all ages and backgrounds with the natural world, inspiring them to take a deeper look at and to better steward the environment surrounding them.

Future generations of children, students, parents, teachers, and researchers will be among the many that will benefit from your generosity today. Your gift, no matter what size, will achieve amazing things. Join us to help inspire passion, knowledge, and understanding and unravel the secrets of our planet for generations to come.

With your gift you will help us to:

• undertake projects such as examining the maintenance of delicate species and ecosystems struggling to survive across the globe and understand the processes that drive ecological changes.
• provide innovative, outstanding exhibits and learning programs to engage people of all backgrounds and ages in learning about science and to understand and care for the natural world.
• protect our precious collections of over four million specimens, which form one of the world's most important natural history resources.
• care for our irreplaceable dioramas, judged to be among the three best collections of natural history dioramas in the world.

Why we need your help - The State of Minnesota provides roughly one-third of our operating costs and that support is shrinking. Program revenue and gifts and grants cover the rest. Friends of the Bell provide essential funds to create innovative learning programs, pioneer scientific research, and maintain the museum's invaluable collections.

In return for your support, you and your family gain unparalleled access to the museum.

Benefits of Friends of the Bell

With exhibits, talks, workshops, and events, Friends of the Bell gives you a great selection of benefits and privileges. It is the best way to enjoy an ongoing relationship with the museum and its dynamic programs.

From free admissions and subscriptions to generous discounts and special benefits, the advantages of Friends of the Bell include:

• Free subscription to our magazine, Imprint, for adults and kids alike
• Free or reduced entry to most museum events
• Free admission to the museum and its exhibits
• Early registration opportunities to museum programs and events
• Free gift voucher
• Special invitations to Friends of the Bell events
• Email updates on events and exhibitions

Levels of support

Join the Friends of the Bell at the level of annual giving that suits you best. Choose among the following levels:

• Patron with an annual gift of $250
• Sponsor with an annual gift of $100
• Family of Friends with an annual gift $45
• Individual Friend with an annual gift of $30

Make your tax-deductible gift today

You can make your gift online, by calling (612) 624-0089 or by mailing your gift to the Bell Museum of Natural History, Attn: Development Office, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Matching Gifts
However you give, please don't forget to ask your employer to match your gift. Many of the region's leading employers match their employees' contributions to the Bell Museum. Often filling out a simple employer form and including it with your donation will increase its value.

Special Discounts
University of Minnesota Alumni Association members are invited to receive a 25% discount on Individual Friend and Family of Friends level gifts. Visit www.alumni.umn.edu for more information about the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.

If you are a member of the Weisman Art Museum, take a $5 discount on Individual Friend and Family of Friends level gifts. 

Friends of the Bell not only receive great benefits at the Bell Museum, but they also receive $2 off Science Museum single admission tickets, or $5 off a full-price Household or Dual level Science Museum membership. No other discounts apply. Admission does not apply to special exhibits. Must show valid Bell Museum membership card. Discounts not available online. Offer expires December 31, 2009.

To take advantage of these discounts, please call (612) 624-0089 to make your gift.

Questions?
Contact our Development Office
(612) 624-0089
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Thank you for your support. The Bell Museum is a non-profit organization. We rely on admissions, memberships, and donations to continue our educational mission, programs, and exhibits.