Donate today
The National Civil Rights Museum relies on the revenue generated from admission and museum shop sales as well as the generosity of corporations, foundations and people like you. The Lorraine Civil Rights Museum, dba National Civil Rights Museum is designated by the I.R.S. as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, federal identification # 58-1484027.
Phoenix Circle
Join the Phoenix Circle
The National Civil Rights Museum proudly introduces the Phoenix Circle, an esteemed recognition program designed to honor individual donors.
Friends of the Lorraine
Your monthly gift, big or small, will join your voice with a chorus of dedicated champions. Together, you’ll stand as Friends of the Lorraine, ensuring this sacred site of struggle and sacrifice continues to inspire and empower generations.
Commemorative Bricks
Recognize a loved one or community leader with a special brick in the courtyard of the Lorraine Motel.
Volunteer
Volunteering at the National Civil Rights Museum can be rewarding and exciting. There are plenty of opportunities to fit every interest and schedule. Volunteer applications are renewed annually.
Planned Giving
Your long-term gift to the museum will be your legacy for future generations to ensure the dream continues through planned giving.
Endowment Fund
The endowment has been central to the museum’s growth. Our need for donor support is ongoing to ensure the work of the museum continues.
Become the Dream Capital Campaign
Join us on this Journey. With completion expected in 2025, the two-year project impacts the museum campus west of Mulberry Street, including the first-floor expansion of the historic boarding house that will include flexible digital exhibitions and exhibits on the Poor People’s Campaign and Freedom Award. The second-floor exhibitions will explore the Civil Rights Movement since the assassination and how protests have shaped our culture in answering the question, “Where do we go from here?” The third-floor exhibitions will examine how today’s activism impacts our communities and policies around poverty, education, jobs, housing, criminal justice, and gender equality.
Employer Gift Matching
Did you know many companies offer a matching gift program to encourage giving among their employees? And some companies also match gifts for spouses, retirees, and part-time employees. The National Civil Rights Museum’s employer matching gift program provides an easy way to increase your donation’s impact through corporate matching gifts. When you make a donation, your company can double or even triple the value of your generous gift.
Corporate Giving
Artifact Donations and Loans
The museum appreciates generous donations and loans of archival materials, books, photographs, clothing/textiles, audio/visual items, fine art and historic objects.
More Giving Options
There are plenty of ways individuals and corporate entities can stay connected with the museum’s mission. Contact the Development Department at development@civilrightsmuseum.org for other options, or with questions.
Financial Statement
For accountability, transparency, and concrete results, the financial statements of the Lorraine Civil Rights Museum Foundation (dba the National Civil Rights Museum) as of June 30, 2020, were audited by other auditors whose report dated November 2020. Click to see the financial statement.
Four-Star Rating
The National Civil Rights Museum has consistently attained the coveted 4-star rating by Charity Navigator for demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that National Civil Rights Museum exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its area of work. This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator sets National Civil Rights Museum apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. Approximately only a quarter of rated charities have achieved this distinction!