Friends of the Academy
By joining the Friends of the Academy, you have the opportunity to inspire explorers of all ages, get closer to the scientists and their discoveries, and become a leader in a community of lifelong learners. The deeper your engagement, the closer you get – and the bigger your impact.
Why Become a Friend?
Far and Wide
Academy scientists traverse the globe to discover and document life in biodiversity hot spots. The species they discover, the distribution maps they create, and the training they provide to local scientists and educators are instrumental in the race to understand and protect crucial habitats.
Here and Now
Our planet is changing rapidly, and the time to inspire the next generation of scientists and ecological stewards is today. The Academy brings real science into real lives through immersive exhibits and programs, teacher workshops, and personal interactions with live animals and experts. There has never been a better time to get involved.
Friends of the Academy
Explorers ($1,000+)
All Associates’ benefits, plus:
- Free admission for two primary cardholders, up to two adult guests per card, and your children or grandchildren (17 years of age and younger) for one year
- Priority entrance to the museum, rainforest, planetarium and select special exhibits
- Complimentary admission to NightLife every Thursday evening
- Four daily admission passes and four Nightlife passes to share
- Two Friends Behind-the-Scenes tour passes
- Invitations to year-round special events and receptions exclusive to Friends of the Academy
- A complimentary glass of champagne when dining at the Moss Room restaurant
- Complimentary coat check with each visit
- Dedicated concierge telephone line
- Recognition in the Academy’s Annual Report
- Subscription to the monthly Donor e-Newsletter
$870 is tax deductible
Curators ($2,500+)
All Explorers’ benefits, plus:
- Friends collection tours with our collection manager - offered semi-annually
- Expedited entry to the Early Explorers Cove (activity area for children 0-5 years and their adult chaperones)
- Access to the Academy’s exclusive donor lounge
- Two passes to attend a NightLife VIP tour
- Two additional daily admission passes to share (6 total)
- Four 1-hour complimentary parking vouchers for the Music Concourse Parking Facility
- Invitation to a private reception prior to a lecture
$2,221 is tax deductible
Scientists ($5,000+)
All Curators’ benefits, plus:
- Invitation to the annual Academy dinner
- Academy scientist presentation at your school’s career day or science fair
- A complimentary card for your household caregiver
- Two additional daily admission passes to share (8 total)
- Two additional 1-hour complimentary parking vouchers for the Music Concourse Parking Facility (6 hours total)
$4,671 is tax deductible
Platinum Circle
Starting at the Collectors level, generous donors who make gifts of $10,000 or more play a leadership role for the Academy and enjoy many unique opportunities and privileges as members of our Platinum Circle. If you would like to learn more about how you can have a transformative impact on the future of the Academy, please contact Andi Forker, Associate Director, Leadership Gifts, at (415) 379-5404 or
Collectors ($10,000+)
All Scientists benefits, plus:
- Two all-day parking passes in the Music Concourse Parking Facility
- Exclusive access to a dedicated concierge who will plan experiences at the Academy tailored to your interests
- Invitations to explore Northern California with the Academy on “Local Expeditions” about science and sustainability
- Invitation to an exclusive dinner with scientists, environmental leaders, and prominent speakers
- Discounts on renting the Academy for your own private event
- Priority invitations to Academy Gala events
Value of goods and services: $449
Ecologists ($25,000+)
All Collectors benefits, plus:
- Two additional all-day parking passes in the Music Concourse Parking Facility
- A dedicated concierge at the Academy who will work with you to achieve your philanthropic goals
- Experiences that make the impact of your gift tangible, including customized visits where you can see the students, visitors, and programs that benefit from your generosity
- Experiences that are tailored to your interests such as behind-the-scenes tours or local nature outings with scientists and educators
- Assistance in finding hands-on volunteer opportunities for your family at the Academy
- The opportunity to travel nationally and internationally with Academy scientists and donors to locations of ecological importance
- The opportunity to have a private luncheon with the Academy’s Executive Director
- The opportunity to meet with the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to talk about Academy projects and plans that are of interest to you
- Donation of Academy admission, lecture, and event tickets to two charity auctions of your choice
Value of goods and services: $549
Conservationists ($50,000+)
All Ecologists benefits, plus:
- A benefits package completely tailored to your interests, including scientific gifts and publications
- The opportunity to use the Academy’s Board Room, free of charge, for one personal or business event
- The opportunity for an Academy scientist, educator, or specialist to speak at your private event
Value of goods and services: $699
Environmentalists ($100,000+)
All Conservationists benefits, plus:
- The opportunity to receive named recognition on an Academy program or exhibition of your choice
Value of goods and services: $699
Friends of the Academy Terms and Conditions
Tel: (415) 379-5405
Friends of the Academy Events
Tuesday, October 8thAnnual Academy Dinner
5:45 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: African Hall
The Academy cordially invites Friends of the Academy Scientist ($5,000+) donors and above to attend the 2013 Annual Fellows Gathering.
5:45 PM: Lecture by Claire Kremen of UC Berkeley
6:30 PM: Cocktail Reception
7:30 PM: Dinner
Saturday, November 9thFriends Academy Collections Tour
10:00 am - 11:30 am
Our collection managers will lead a private behind-the-scenes tour of our Botany, Invertebrate Zoology, and Ornithology & Mammology collections. Join us for an educational look at our world-class research collections and discover how our priceless specimens help us - and fellow scientists and students all over the world - study and sustain biodiversity.
This event is for Friends of the Academy donors at the Curators level ($2,500+) and above only. Invitation is non-transferable and space is limited - maximum two attendees per household, ages 10 and older only. RSVP by October 31 to (415) 379-5858 or donorevent@calacademy.org.
Thursday, November 14thNightLife Friends Salon
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Friends of the Academy donors ($1,000+) are invited to enjoy a private lounge with catering and bar service and access to our Thursday NightLife event.
2012 Annual Report
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(415) 379-5405
California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Friend Testimonials |
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Lauren Hall
Friend of the Academy and Friends Steering Committee member
“I have always been fascinated by infectious disease: everything from prions and viruses to protozoans and worms. Everyone in my family is mad for science, and we always take friends and family to the Academy when they visit. Whether it's Steinhart Aquarium, a Planetarium show, or a lecture on stem cells, there's something to interest everyone. We support the Academy knowing that our gift supports scientific research, exploration and education”
Lucy Bowen Taylor
Friend of the Academy and Friends Steering Committee member
“The Academy has been a wonderful resource for my family when we're looking to do something that is fun, inspiring, and expands the way we see our world. There's no better way to learn than by doing, and our whole family has loved things like shaking in an earthquake, seeing an alligator up close, or powering a light bulb from a piece of fruit. The warm and friendly staff engage our kids so that they learn without realizing they are being taught”
Summer Tompkins Walker
Friends Steering Committee member and Friend of the Academy
“At age 11 I had my first BIG encounter with the wildness of the ocean. I was moved deeply by the intensity of its unique ecosystem rich in diversity of sea life and its complex underworld. It left me wanting to make sure that we never let such dynamic ecosystems be put in jeopardy. The diversity and wildness of life is truly captivating to me and I hope to protect as much of what is left for my children and future generations.”
Laura and Mike Patnode
Friends of the Academy
“The Academy presents long-term value by increasing our investment in science and education and helping form the sort of world we want our children to grow up in. We need to make sure our children have the skills they need to solve problems, and the biggest thing is to educate children about science. We take every opportunity to talk about the Academy with friends and family—I feel good being associated with such a wonderful place and doing my part to promote it.”
Martha Kropf
Former Docent, Honorary Trustee, and Friend of the Academy
“I’m passionate about informal science education, grounded in the research and science of the Academy. Science and engagement—that’s what the Academy is all about.”
Joann Franklin-Knox
Academy Docent and Ten-Year Member of Friends of the Academy
“What is so worthwhile about the Friends is reaching out to the community and inspiring and informing them of what we are all about. As they begin to understand the remarkable work the Academy is doing, they become supportive as well. It’s an extended community.”
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Donor Bill of Rights [33k]
