With a goal of $2.5 billion, the Campaign for Our Shared Future is the largest campaign in Smithsonian history and represents the largest amount to be raised in a campaign by a cultural organization. It will culminate in 2026 with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Smithsonian Institution was founded by a single philanthropic donation. It was established by Congress in 1846 with more than $500,000 from British scientist James Smithson “to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian began raising its own funds, supplemented by an annual federal appropriation, in the decades that followed.
The Smithsonian Campaign sets out four broad themes: Opening Pathways to New Knowledge, Powering Creativity and Innovation, Advancing Sustainability and Discovery, and Illuminating Our Nation’s Past. All Smithsonian museums and centers are participating, raising funds to support specific priorities. The campaign will also raise significant funds for several strategic goals spanning the entire Smithsonian. These include:
Supporting visionary leadership by endowing directorships across the Smithsonian. This will allow the Smithsonian to attract the highest caliber of leaders both now and in the future, unlocking the full potential of its collections and staff.
Securing funds to ensure that all Smithsonian internships are paid. By providing fully paid internships, the Smithsonian will level the playing field for interns of all backgrounds to access transformational, only-at-the-Smithsonian learning experiences in fields such as art, science, and education.
Expanding Smithsonian’s digital reach, including a new experience called “My Smithsonian” that will invite the public to explore and interact with Smithsonian collections and content in new ways.
Investing in the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative through programs advancing research to save species and restore healthy ecosystems, digitizing scientific collections to increase accessibility, exploring people’s place in the universe, and activating a nation of participatory scientists.
Marking America’s 250th anniversary with once-in-a-lifetime celebrations and commemorations on the National Mall in 2026, programs across the Smithsonian’s arts units, and reach across the country.
Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.
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