The Smithsonian is the only place where so many disciplines—art, history, culture and science—come together in one freely accessible place. The institution is a great convener and trusted source where all Americans —and the global community—can find inspiration, celebration and reflection. Our 21 museums, National Zoo, libraries, and education, research, outreach and cultural centers each have an ambitious vision that pushes the frontiers of knowledge and seeks to achieve a better future for all.
In launching the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, our goal is to raise $2.5 billion by 2026 as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Through your support, the campaign will shape the nation’s cultural aspirations and fuel scientific promise for generations to come. Funds raised will support the ambitions of all of our museums and centers through the following Smithsonian-wide areas of impact, among many others:
Internships ($50M)
We will raise funds to support all Smithsonian internships to ensure that all interns are paid equitably for their work. By providing fully paid internships, we will remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for interns to experience a transformational learning environment, available only at the Smithsonian. Internships are a training ground for the next generation of American leaders, who will bring the values of rigorous inquiry and public service to all they do.
Visionary Leaders: Directors ($50M)
We will raise funds to endow directorships across the Smithsonian to attract the highest caliber of leaders and guarantee the Smithsonian will thrive into the next 250 years. Smithsonian directors set the tone for our work, building world-class museums and challenging us to raise our sights.
My Smithsonian ($10M)
We will raise funds to build this first-ever online portal, to unlock access to Smithsonian collections for audiences across the globe. This innovative project will be a “front door” multi-platform digital experience that invites the public to explore and interact with Smithsonian collections and content in new ways.
America's 250th ($100M)
We will raise funds to support the 250th anniversary of the United States through exhibitions and programming in Washington, D.C., and nationwide throughout 2026. The Smithsonian is planning a wide range of programs to reflect on and celebrate this moment for our nation, giving us courage to recommit to the ideals of the country’s founding and laying a foundation for the next 250 years.
Programming will include the 250th anniversary festival on the National Mall, the transformation of the historic Arts and Industries Building into a vibrant national hub for visitors and programs, museum exhibitions to showcase the iconic collections that the tell the stories of our past across the Smithsonian and more.
Life on a Sustainable Planet ($150-190M)
We will raise funds to unify the innovative science and unparalleled collections at the core of the Smithsonian to help tackle one of the most urgent questions of our time: How will we live in balance with our natural world? Leveraging over 175 years of leadership in the increase and diffusion of knowledge and our global scientific and education infrastructure, we will work with partners to create a shared future for Life on a Sustainable Planet.
Key Life on a Sustainable Planet initiatives will include quantifying carbon in ecosystems to inform nature-based climate solutions, advancing community-based research to save species and restore healthy ecosystems, digitizing scientific collections to increase accessibility and unlock new insights, exploring our place in the universe and activating a nation of participatory scientists.
These five areas indicate opportunities for transformative impact and changemaking at the Smithsonian. Represented above are signature giving opportunities, however, gifts at all supporting levels will also contribute to these overarching goals. Additional campaign funds will support acquisitions and collections, endowments, research, programming and facilities.