The Denver Botanic Gardens offers various donation options to support its mission of connecting people with plants. From membership tiers to one-time contributions, the gardens provide multiple ways for individuals to contribute to their conservation, education, and community programs. This guide explores the different donation methods, their impacts, and how you can get involved in supporting this vital institution.
What Are the Different Ways to Donate to Denver Botanic Gardens?
Membership Tiers
Denver Botanic Gardens offers several membership levels, each with unique benefits:
- General Membership:
- Free admission to York Street and Chatfield Farms
- Advanced ticketing for events
- Discounts on special events and education programs
- 10% discount at gardens’ shops and cafes
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Reciprocal membership benefits to over 300 American Horticultural Society member gardens
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Contributing Membership:
- Director’s Circle ($2,500):
- All Four Seasons membership benefits
- Special concierge service
- Priority entry to summer concerts
- Up to six reserved seats under the tent
- Garden Leader ($5,000):
- All Director’s Circle benefits
- Complimentary horticulture consultation with expert staff
- President’s Circle ($10,000):
- All Garden Leader benefits
- Preferred entrance for summer concerts
- Customized additional benefits
Other Donation Options
- CSA Share Options:
- Full Share Regenerative Supporter: $1,660
- Small Share Regenerative Supporter: $1,140
- Includes extra produce and flower selections
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Tax-deductible donations
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General Donations:
- Gardens Fund: Support general operations and initiatives
- Tribute & Memorial Gifts: Honor or remember someone special
- Dedication Gifts: Recognized with a specific feature in the gardens
- Matching Gift: Many employers sponsor matching gift programs
- Planned Giving: Create a gift in your will through FreeWill
How Can You Volunteer at Denver Botanic Gardens?
CSA Volunteer Shareholders
- Time Commitment: 3 hours a week for the duration of the season (60 hours total)
- Application Process:
- Purchase a small or full vegetable share
- Onboard as a Denver Botanic Gardens volunteer
- Submit a new ongoing volunteer program interest form
- Watch the new volunteer orientation video
- Complete a volunteer placement interview
- Complete a background check form
General Volunteers
- Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Submit a new ongoing volunteer program interest form
- Watch the new volunteer orientation video
- Complete a volunteer placement interview
- Complete a background check form
- Roles: Help with special events, school programs, internal meetings, and pre-VIP experience guests
What Are the Measurable Impacts of Donations to Denver Botanic Gardens?
While specific metrics for the past year are not provided, donations generally support:
- Community Programs:
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Food programs, including CSA shares that donate vegetables to organizations and families in need
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Conservation Efforts:
- Maintenance of diverse plant selections
- Support for regenerative practices on the farm
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Contribution to the overall conservation mission of the gardens
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Education and Research:
- Funding for education programs
- Support for research initiatives at the gardens
What Are the Upcoming Fundraising Events at Denver Botanic Gardens?
While specific dates are not provided, typical fundraising events include:
- Music at the Gardens:
- Supports gardens’ operations and initiatives
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Members receive priority entry and special ticketing benefits
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Farm to Fork Dinner:
- Part of the CSA program
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Proceeds support vegetable donations to organizations and families in need
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Fête des Fleurs and VIP Opening Receptions:
- Supported by in-kind donations from beer, wine, and alcohol companies
- Proceeds go towards various gardens’ initiatives
How Do Donations Benefit Denver Botanic Gardens?
Donations to Denver Botanic Gardens play a crucial role in:
- Maintaining and Expanding Collections:
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Supports the diverse array of plants and exhibits
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Funding Educational Programs:
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Enables the gardens to offer a wide range of learning opportunities for all ages
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Supporting Community Outreach:
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Helps extend the gardens’ impact beyond its physical boundaries
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Advancing Research:
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Contributes to important botanical and horticultural studies
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Preserving Natural Habitats:
- Aids in conservation efforts both within the gardens and in broader ecosystems
What Tax Benefits Come with Donating to Denver Botanic Gardens?
- Membership Donations:
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Fully tax-deductible up to the Four Seasons level ($1,275)
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CSA Share Options:
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Tax-deductible portions for Regenerative Supporter shares
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General Donations:
- Typically tax-deductible, but always consult with a tax professional for specific advice
How Can Businesses Support Denver Botanic Gardens?
- Corporate Memberships:
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Offer employee benefits and support the gardens
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Event Sponsorships:
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Sponsor major events like concerts or exhibitions
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In-Kind Donations:
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Provide goods or services to support garden operations or events
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Matching Gift Programs:
- Match employee donations to amplify support
What Unique Donation Opportunities Does Denver Botanic Gardens Offer?
- Tribute & Memorial Gifts:
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Honor loved ones with a lasting tribute in the gardens
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Dedication Gifts:
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Attach your name or a loved one’s to a specific garden feature
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Planned Giving:
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Include the gardens in your estate planning
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CSA Supporter Shares:
- Combine fresh produce for yourself with donations to those in need
By offering diverse donation options, Denver Botanic Gardens ensures that supporters can find a meaningful way to contribute to its mission, whether through financial gifts, volunteer time, or participation in special programs.
References:
1. https://www.botanicgardens.org/join-give/membership
2. https://www.botanicgardens.org/contributing-membership
3. https://www.botanicgardens.org/our-impact/food-programs/csa-share-options
4. https://www.botanicgardens.org/join-give/donate
5. https://www.botanicgardens.org/kind-donations