Engaging partnerships

Over the past few years, our communities have undergone substantial changes, navigating the profound effects of the pandemic and now adapting to a new normal that continues to evolve. Nonprofit organizations, including cultural institutions like ours, are striving not just to survive but to build sustainable futures where we can thrive and remain integral to community development. The landscape for cultural nonprofits has been shifting rapidly: Our audiences are becoming more diverse, their expectations are rising and the number of nonprofits and community needs are both growing. To ensure our sustainability and growth, effective partnerships in philanthropy, especially those involving external stakeholders and new audiences, are crucial.

As communities accelerate their pace of change, it’s vital for us to reconnect with those we serve to understand their expectations for a dynamic Science Center of Iowa. With our expanding audience base, it’s essential to engage with new partners who represent these diverse groups. By collaborating closely with these partners, we can develop new programs enriched with fresh ideas and perspectives.

Philanthropic partnerships go beyond mere financial support; they are pivotal in fostering community engagement. Museums serve as community anchors, offering educational opportunities, cultural experiences and fostering social cohesion. Collaborating with local organizations, schools and community groups can help museums broaden their impact and reach, develop programs that cater to diverse audiences and ensure inclusivity and accessibility.

For example, partnerships with local schools can lead to customized educational programs that align with school curricula. Last year, the Science Center worked with Des Moines Public Schools to create specialized programming for talented and gifted fifth grade students. Our staff visited their schools for outreach activities and then hosted students in our Innovation Lab for an intensive workshop about coding for robotics. We also collaborated with the district to design an astronomy program that supported visits from all eighth grade students to the planetarium.

Similarly, working with community organizations allows museums to address social issues such as inclusion and diversity by creating programs that reflect the varied histories and experiences of their communities. These initiatives not only enhance the museum’s public value but also build trust and strengthen relationships with local communities, which are essential for long-term support and engagement.

Moreover, community-focused philanthropic partnerships help museums align more closely with the needs and interests of their audiences. By engaging with community partners, museums gain valuable insights into what their audiences seek, allowing them to create programs and exhibitions that resonate more deeply. This can lead to increased attendance, membership growth and greater public support, all crucial for a museum’s sustainability.

The Science Center has recently received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to advance our efforts in meeting the needs of our Latino communities. We will work with several partners, including Al Exito, Latinos in Action (a student group from East High School) and DMACC, which will provide interns for the two-year project, offering them valuable museum work experience. Additionally, a community advisory committee will help guide us in making the center more inclusive and welcoming. The grant will also fund bilingual labels and signage throughout the museum and provide free nights for Latino communities.

Philanthropic partnerships also drive innovation in museum programming. They bring together diverse perspectives, expertise and resources, leading to creative solutions for the challenges we face. Collaborations with artists, cultural organizations and other museums can result in creative new exhibitions and programs that explore contemporary themes and attract different audiences. These innovative programs can differentiate a museum, enhance its visibility and improve its competitiveness in the cultural sector.

For example, our longstanding partnership with Children and Families Urban Movement (CFUM) has helped us serve at-risk populations effectively. Recently, we collaborated with CFUM and the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation to incorporate art into a science and engineering program. This project, centered around the installation of the “Lift Off” sculpture at Des Moines International Airport, involved CFUM students in workshops that combined engineering and art, culminating in observing the sculpture’s installation. This project required close collaboration between SCI and CFUM staff to develop an innovative program.

Innovation through partnerships also helps museums remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. By leveraging the expertise and resources of our partners, we can experiment with new formats, platforms and approaches to engaging audiences. This adaptability is crucial in a cultural landscape where consumption habits are evolving, and museums must continuously find new ways to connect with their audiences and fulfill their missions.

In conclusion, philanthropic partnerships are essential to the future success of nonprofits. They provide crucial financial support, foster community engagement and drive programming innovation. By building and maintaining robust partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, we can enhance our financial stability, expand our impact and stay relevant in a dynamic cultural environment. Therefore, forging strategic partnerships will be a priority for the Science Center as we strive to fulfill our mission, serve our diverse communities and thrive in the long term.

What’s one trend you’re seeing with volunteer engagement?

Volunteers are vital to the success of the Science Center of Iowa, contributing in various roles from office support to exhibit construction and educational programming. We’ve seen a rise in corporate team volunteers, driven by paid volunteer programs and the chance for employees to engage together.