Discovery Center is a non-profit 501(c) (3), incorporated in 1991 and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. There are many ways to contribute to Discovery Center. Gifts in the following areas go a long way to offering the children of the region engaging and stimulating learning experiences:

Discovery Center Wish List

Capital gifts

In-kind donations

General support gifts

Memberships

Sponsoring special events

Tributes

Memorials

Corporate sponsorships

Website sponsorships

Festival of Trees Benefit Auction

Discovery Fund/ Annual Fund

Exhibits

Discovery Center also has tax credit programs available to donors who qualify:

Discovery Center of Springfield (DCS) is excited to announce the award of a new Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) tax credit grant.   DCS has been awarded $199,830 in credits which will leverage $399,660 in contributions to support our mission. 

NAP tax credits are made available to donors to redirect their state tax dollars to support local projects that improve the quality of life for our community.  DCS has been approved for NAP credits consistently over the past 15 years because of our unique position to provide an educational environment that serves to enrich and appeal to all ages and stages of learners at all socio-economic levels.  Individual learning styles of children and families are nurtured with the intent to excite and engage on various topics.   DCS exhibits and programs naturally encourage visitors and students to experience objects and ideas firsthand, shaping impressions of themselves, each other and the world around them.   Please find a brief description of the program these contributions will support beginning on page 2. 

The financial benefit to eligible donors is a 50% state tax credit in addition to a federal charitable tax deduction for qualified donations.  The philanthropic benefit is the knowledge that your NAP tax donation can affect the lives of children in our community forever.  Through NAP tax credits, DCS has been able to offer free programming to students eligible for the Federal Free Lunch Program.  Programs such as ScienceWorks on the Road have seen 30% gains in science knowledge from students participating with their schools.  Programs like this, as well as facility upgrades and new exhibits DCS has been able to add with NAP tax credits, help create a long-lasting energy and excitement for learning.  The community benefit is the opportunity to empower a child to transform their life and our world.

These credits are available until June 30, 2011.   Qualified donations can be made by check, credit card, or stock.  Minimum donation is $1,000. If you would like more information or a personal tour of the DCS, please call Emily at 862-9910 ext. 700. 

Shop Online and Benefit DCS All at Once!
Visit MyCause.com, a service that lets internet shoppers direct a portion of their purchase price to the Discovery Center of Springfield. From the MyCause website, you can shop at popular online stores such as Amazon, ToysRUs, LL Bean, and many more!