Give Explorit a Hand!

Support our capital campaign,
"Expanding the Explorit Experience"

Yes, Explorit Science Center needs your help.


So we ask you to "Give Explorit a Hand"- literally.
This is the name of the newest phase of our capital campaign.
Explorit supporters who give or pledge $1,000, $2,500 or more will receive, as a thank-you, a gold or silver hand plaque personalized with your name(s) and message.

Large gold hand plaques will be made for those who donate $2,500 or more.

Medium-size silver hand plaques will be made for those who donate $1,000 or more.

Your gift contributes in a vital way to helping us reach the finish line of our $2.4 million capital campaign. So far, we have raised $1.24 toward our goal. The final sum will allow us to own our new building debt-free and add more hands-on exhibits and programs.

Our new museum is open, but our expansion plans are not complete. Our "Give Explorit a Hand" fund-raising campaign will help us reach the finish line.

With your help, Explorit can vastly expand its capacity to involve people in science experiences that touch our lives. Thank you!
If you have already given $1,000 or $2,500 or more to the campaign a plaque has been reserved for you and you will be able to specify the text to be engraved on the hand.

But we hope that perhaps you may wish to help the campaign reach its goal by making an additional gift.

As with all gifts to the capital campaign, payments are tax-deductible and may be spread over one to three years.

Your hand plaque will be displayed permanently on a donor wall in our new facility at 2801 Second St. in east Davis. This is a terrific opportunity to honor a special person (perhaps a loved one who dedicated himself or herself to science?) or a special occasion with the wording of your choice.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in giving a significantly larger gift to help with the Expansion Campaign please go to The Jonsson Challenge to find out about naming opportunities and other larger gift giving options.
"Hands Drive" Donation Forms:
Printable web page version or
Downloadable pdf version to print

The first wave of hands will be unveiled in April 2007 and put on permanent display.

Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, contact Allison Cagley, Development Director, at (530) 756-0191, ext. 106, or Allison@explorit.org.




Frequently Asked Questions

Q The new building is open. Why should I contribute money now?
A. To help us own the building debt-free and fill it with exciting exhibits and programs that will engage people of all ages in meaningful science discovery. We have lots planned for upstairs and in the former kitchen space.

Q. Is Explorit seeking support from the business community and foundations as well?
A. Explorit seeks funds from various sources including foundations, corporations and individuals. All of these are needed to make a campaign successful. Most philanthropic contributions actually come from individuals, and we believe people will want to invest in supporting education right in our own community.

Q. Why are your science education programs so important? Kids study science in school, after all.
A. Yes, most schoolchildren are exposed to science but to varying degrees. Elementary schools with limited resources can be very challenged to provide top-notch science education (some provide none), particularly with todayÕs emphasis on teaching language arts and math skills for standardized tests. That's changing – this year, for the first time, 5th graders will be tested in science as well. But the science skills that will be needed in the 21st century are not getting adequate attention. That's where Explorit can fill a vital gap. Explorit is also a valued resource for lifelong learning for people of all ages.

Q. OK, I'd like to contribute to the "Give Explorit a Hand" campaign, but my budget is tight. Can I spread the payments out over several years?
A. Yes, you can make a three-year pledge. After we receive the final payment, we will engrave and hang your plaque.

Q. I've already given once to the capital campaign. Can that amount count toward a plaque?
A. Yes. When your total contribution reaches $1,000 or $2,500, you will be eligible for a plaque.

Q. How do I order a plaque?
A. There are links above for a form to fill out; just fill one out and mail it in to us. If you have questions, please contact Allison Cagley, Development Director, at (530) 756-0191 x106, or allison@explorit.org.

Send feedback to
Explorit Science Center
P.O. Box 1288, Davis, CA 95617, USA
Phone: (530)756-0191     Fax: (530)756-1227
Page last updated: April 3, 2007