The Smithsonian announced today that the “Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future” has surpassed its $2.5 billion fundraising goal one full year ahead of schedule, a milestone that comes as the nation prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary in 2026. This achievement marks the largest fundraising effort in the history of any cultural organization and represents a defining moment for the Institution and the country it serves.
“This milestone highlights the generosity of people nationwide and reaffirms the Smithsonian’s role as a shared national institution,” said Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. “Private support has been essential since our founding and continues to strengthen our work, alongside the federal funding that allows us to keep our museums open, accessible and dedicated to increasing and diffusing knowledge. We are grateful to everyone who contributed.”
Launched in 2018, the campaign raised an average of $330 million annually, approximately 20% of the Smithsonian’s annual budget. More than 730,000 donors from all 50 states and 132 countries have contributed, and 65% were first-time donors. Their participation has helped advance work across the Institution’s museums, research centers, cultural projects and education programs.
“The Smithsonian is for all Americans—a place where people across the country can draw inspiration,” said Christine Udvar-Hazy, co-chair for the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future. “It has been an honor to join the thousands of donors who supported this campaign knowing that a gift to the Smithsonian is a gift to the nation.”
The campaign has enabled the largest gifts ever received by 13 Smithsonian museums and centers and has supported exhibitions and programs on the National Mall as well as partnerships and learning experiences in communities nationwide. The campaign’s success underscores the strength of the Smithsonian’s public‑private model, in which philanthropic contributions are amplified by Congressional support to expand what the Institution can accomplish for the public.
The Smithsonian’s history is rooted in philanthropy. The institution was established by Congress in 1846 through a bequest from British scientist James Smithson, who directed that his gift be used “to found at Washington… an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Private support, paired with a foundational federal appropriation, has remained central to the Smithsonian’s mission for more than 175 years.
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Smithsonian will continue to rely on this enduring public‑private partnership to fulfill its mission and inspire curiosity and learning for all.
About the Smithsonian
Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, zoo, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers and libraries. Two new museums—the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum—are in the early planning stages. With few exceptions, Smithsonian museums are open free-of-charge every day of the year except Dec. 25. The Smithsonian has more than 6,200 Smithsonian employees and 3,800 volunteers. In 2023, it welcomed more than 18 million visitors. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at more than 157 million.