This year marks the biggest year in The Nat’s history—our 150th birthday! As we approach this milestone, we reflect with pride on our journey from a small group of dedicated naturalists to a beacon of binational scientific discovery and education. Over the past century and a half, The Nat has been a vital part of our community, inspiring wonder, fostering curiosity, and advancing our understanding of the natural world.
Our birthday wish is for 150 friends like you to make a gift in honor of The Nat’s 150th birthday by October 19 and help us raise $50,000!
Your gift, made now through Giving Day on October 19, will directly support key projects, including new exhibits, community programs, and conservation initiatives that keep our Museum dynamic and accessible —a hallmark of The Nat for 150 years! With your help we can continue our mission to be here for nature.
Together, we can ensure The Nat remains a place of discovery and inspiration for everyone in our region. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We look forward to celebrating this landmark birthday with you!
Your support advances our work to study local biodiversity and inspire the next generation of conservationists. It keeps our scientists in the field working to study and conserve wildlife, inspires our educators to create distance learning resources and online events and programs, and helps our exhibition team plan and build exciting new spaces in the Museum.
You can make a difference in the future of our region—and every little bit helps.
Make a one-time gift, or sign up to donate monthly. Choose either option when you make your gift online. Recurring gifts help support operations all year round. Need help signing up for monthly donations? Please contact Alejandra Saavedra at asaavedra@sdnhm.org or 619-255-0273.
Every individual is different. That’s great, because there are many ways to support the Museum, including donor-advised funds, non-taxable gifts from your IRA, and planned gifts made from your estate.
When you donate $1,200 or more in one year, you'll automatically be enrolled in our Leadership Circle. Participants receive the basic benefits of membership and also exclusive privileges and opportunities. More.
You can help us fulfill our mission as a steward of nature in our region by making the commitment of a future gift from your estate. When you do, you'll become part of our Live Oaks Society. More.
The Nat’s financial health, accountability, and transparency have been rated by the most trusted nonprofit evaluators in the industry. The Museum has been awarded a Four-Star rating by Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency by Candid (formerly known as GuideStar). These ratings designate The Nat as a “Give with Confidence” organization and underscore the Museum’s commitment to our donors.
Read our donor bill of rights.