Built for the community, by the community.
Children’s Museum of Franklin is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to empower children and families discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration.
What Does “Nonprofit” Mean?
Being a nonprofit means that Children’s Museum of Franklin exists to serve children, families, and the community. We do not have owners or shareholders, instead every dollar that supports the Museum is reinvested into:
exhibits and play experiences
educational programming
staffing and operations
accessibility initiatives
financial access programs
caring for and improving the Museum over time
Because of community support, children and families from hundreds of towns have already experienced joy, connection, curiosity, and belonging here.
Why Donations Matter
Admission fees and memberships help keep the doors open day to day, but do not fully fund what it takes to operate and grow a vibrant, accessible children’s museum.
Like many nonprofit museums, we rely on the generosity of individuals, families, foundations, and businesses to help make possible:
reduced-cost access programs
exhibit updates and maintenance
scholarships and programming
community partnerships
future exhibits and experiences
Every visit enjoyed today is made possible by a community that believes deeply in the power of play.
FAQs
Why does a nonprofit museum charge admission?
1
Like most children’s museums, admission helps support the daily operation of the Museum — including staffing, exhibit care, cleaning, supplies, utilities, safety, and the ongoing upkeep of interactive experiences designed for children and grown-ups to enjoy together.
As a nonprofit organization, ticket revenue alone does not fully fund what it takes to operate and grow an accessible, high-quality children’s museum. Community support from donors, members, sponsors, and partners helps make possible exhibits, programs, accessibility initiatives, and reduced-cost access opportunities for families throughout the region.
Every visit helps sustain a space built for joy, connection, curiosity, and learning through play.
Are donations tax deductible?
2
Yes. Children’s Museum of Franklin is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible.
How can I help if I can’t donate financially?
3
There are many meaningful ways to support the Museum beyond making a financial contribution.
You can:
Visit and share the Museum with others
Follow and engage with us on social media
Recommend the Museum to schools, organizations, and families
Donate items or services for fundraising efforts
Help spread the word about our mission
Community support comes in many forms, and all of it helps children and families discover, imagine, and grow together through play.
Do memberships support the Museum?
4
Yes. Memberships provide important year-round support that helps sustain the Museum’s mission and daily operations.
Membership support helps care for exhibits, expand programming, support staffing, and create welcoming opportunities for children and families to learn through play together. Memberships also help strengthen the long-term sustainability of the Museum as a nonprofit community resource.
