Support Us!

Express your personal passion for history, the arts, exhibitions, children’s programs and education, and the collection, among just a few of many areas that donors may contribute to support the Museum’s ongoing vitality.

Donors can also make contributions to acquire art and historical pieces for the collection or make outright gifts of them. Most gifts can be pledged for payment over a 5-year period; however, planned gifts or gifts that combine planned and current components can be made in many instances.

There are many ways of making a gift to support the Museum of Ventura County.

Gifts of Cash

Cash gifts allow the donor to receive full tax benefits if they itemize deductions. Gifts of all sizes are appreciated and can be designated to benefit a particular program or collecting area within the Museum. Gifts over $50.00 are listed in our bi-monthly newsletter.

Gifts of Art and Historical Items

Giving artwork, historical artifacts and documents ensures that the County’s artistic and historical legacy remains intact and accessible. Written policies outline the types of objects and procedures by which they are accepted into the collection. For information, contact the
Curator of Collections or Librarian.

Gifts of Securities

A gift of long-term appreciated securities may provide a preferred tax advantage to the donor by deducting the fair market value of the gift and avoiding capital gains.

Gifts by Trusts and Estates

The Museum encourages donors to consider establishment of trusts or endowments that will further the Museum’s work through provisions that provide for periodic payments of income to the Museum. All income paid to the Museum is free of income tax.

Bequests

A bequest can take the form of any of the above ways of giving. It provides a lasting investment in the future.

Friends of the Museum

Donations of any size to our Friends Campaign are welcomed. Those Friends who contribute $1,000 or more each year are invited to an exclusive Friends annual event.

Pledges

Commitment to the Capital Campaign for the Main Street location or the Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, of $5,000 and above, may be pledged over a five-year period. There are special areas of recognition available with these campaign gifts.

It is always advisable to consult with your tax specialist for advice regarding the Internal Revenue Code, IRS regulations and other sources regarding the specific circumstances of any gift.

Matching Gifts

Many companies match donations made by their employees to 501(c) (3) organizations, or provide grant opportunities to such organizations for which their employees volunteer. Find out if your employer has such programs, and the museum will provide any information they would need.

For questions, please contact Robin Woodworth, Director of Development development@VenturaMuseum.org   805-653-0323 x 309