CATALYST

When you walk through our doors, you might marvel at towering dinosaurs, explore the depths of space, see science in action or witness kids joyfully discovering something new. What you may not see is the behind-the-scenes support that helps make these moments possible. That support comes from a broad base of public, private and federal funding sources that believe, just as you do, in the power of science, learning and community.

As a nonprofit institution dedicated to inquiry, education and community engagement, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science relies on this diverse network of support, including individual donors, foundations, corporations and federal funding. In today’s evolving philanthropic landscape, we want to help you understand how the Museum is funded and how these resources enable us to advance our mission and carry out important work. 

For decades, the Museum has worked hard to secure competitive federal grants from agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) that allow us to deepen our impact across Colorado and beyond. These grants are not guaranteed. Each year, we apply alongside institutions across the country for a limited pool of funding. The process is highly competitive, with awards determined through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process. Though we are fortunate not to depend on federal grants to operate, this funding together with your continued support has allowed us to dream bigger, reach further and serve more people in more meaningful ways.

We believe it is more important than ever to highlight how federal grants have helped us expand access, inspire discovery and build a more inclusive future. 

Advancing Science, Together

In 2023, NSF awarded the Museum $1.2 million as part of a $3 million collaborative project to study how ecosystems recovered following a major extinction event. This five-year initiative, led by our Earth Sciences team, brings together researchers from Brooklyn College, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the University of Colorado Boulder and other institutions. To highlight the competitive nature of NSF awards, more than 38,000 proposals were submitted that year, and only 11,060 secured funding, meaning nearly three out of every four proposals went unfunded. The project not only advances scientific understanding of ecosystem evolution but also provides hands-on opportunities for students, interns, and early-career researchers, especially those from historically underrepresented backgrounds in science.

Reaching Across Colorado

With IMLS support, we launched the Curiosity Cruiser, a mobile museum that delivers hands-on science learning to communities across the state, from rural schools to urban neighborhoods. This project was made possible through our 2018 Museums for America grant, which awarded funding to 133 of 472 applicants. The $249,500 federal award, matched by $250,750 from the Museum, doubled the impact, making the Curiosity Cruiser possible and enabling it to reach communities statewide. 

Preserving and Sharing Our Stories

A $393,448 grant award from NEH helped us develop a Digital Asset Management System that now organizes and safeguards nearly 400,000 digital humanities assets in our collection. This system strengthens stewardship and expands access for researchers, educators, community partners and the public.

Looking Ahead

Although proposed and enacted federal budget cuts have created uncertainty for cultural and educational institutions nationwide, we remain hopeful that strong public investment in museums will continue. We are proud of our long-standing success in securing federal grants, as well as the relationships we have built with federal partners over time. And we are equally proud of the trust you have placed in us to keep doing this work with care, creativity, and commitment.

These examples are just a glimpse into what is possible when public investment, community trust and shared curiosity come together. No matter what changes may come in the funding landscape, our commitment to making science accessible, inclusive and relevant will never waver.

Support Matters

Our members at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science provide essential annual support that helps us inspire curiosity, ignite imaginations and bring science and culture to life for people across Colorado. This support truly matters, not only to us but also to the broader community that benefits from vibrant and accessible cultural institutions. To our donors, our members and all the people who visit our Museum, thank you for helping us build a stronger and more curious Colorado.