Desert Sage Society

Desert Sage Society

Join a special community of donors!

When you contribute to the High Desert Museum, a part of you becomes a part of the High Desert – now and for generations to come. As a Desert Sage Society member, you’ll have the opportunity to share a more intimate relationship with the Museum, its leadership, other supporters and all the incredible exhibits and collections.

As your commitment grows, so do the benefits to you, your family and to the community.

You receive:

  • Unlimited free admission for two adults, two adult guests and all children/grandchildren (tangible value – $123)
  • Exclusive invitations to preview exhibitions at opening events and the opportunity to bring two guests
  • Private Desert Sage Society event with Executive Director and Board Chair
  • Recognition on the the Schnitzer Entrance Hall and in the annual report
  • Raptors of the Desert Sky show tickets (tangible value – $5 each)
  • Museum guest passes (tangible value – $15.50 each)
  • Free admission to member evening events
  • 10% discounts at the Silver Sage Trading store, Rimrock Cafe, guest admission and rental of the Museum for events

 

You help provide:

Museum access to all through Family Free Days, Senior Free Days, Museum & Me (a special time for those with disabilities to visit the Museum), Little Wonders and Museum passes made available through libraries in three counties and social services agencies.

Desert Sage Society members also receive:

Fellow Level ($1,000)

  • Eight guest passes per year (tangible value – $124)
  • Gift of Family membership to a recipient of your choosing (tangible value – $125)

 

Curator’s Circle ($2,500)

All DSS Fellow level benefits plus:

  • Additional 2 guest passes for a total of 10 (tangible value – $155)

Museum Associate ($5,000)

All Curator’s Circle level benefits plus:

  • Additional 2 guest passes for a total of 12 (tangible value – $186)
  • Gift of the Adopt an Animal Guardian package for a recipient of your choosing (tangible value – $175)

Director’s Council ($10,000)

All Museum Associate level benefits plus:

  • Additional two guest passes for a total of 14 (tangible value – $217)
  • Private behind-the-scenes wildlife tour for up to 8 people

Founder’s Circle ($25,000+)

All Director’s Council level benefits plus:

  • Additional 2 guest passes for a total of 16 (tangible value – $248)
  • Private curator-led tour of the Museum’s Vault for up to 8 people
  • High Desert field trip with Executive Director and Curator on a mutually agreeable date (tangible value determined at time of event)

How to Give 

The best way to donate to the Desert Sage Society is by sending a check made out to the High Desert Museum to: 

High Desert Museum 

59800 South Highway 97 

Bend, OR 97702 

Choose Your Contribution 

When making your donation, please specify how you’d like your donation applied: 

DSS Membership: To enroll in a Desert Sage Society membership and receive tangible benefits, write “DSS Membership” on your check. Note that this will reduce the tax-deductible portion of your gift due to the fair market value of the benefits. 

General DSS Donation: For a fully tax-deductible donation without tangible membership benefits, please indicate “General Donation” on your check or include a note with your contribution. 

All donations of $1,000 or more will automatically include you in the Desert Sage Society. However, enrolling in a membership allows you to enjoy additional tangible benefits, as detailed below each giving level. The value of these benefits will be deducted from your gift’s tax-deductible amount. Gifts made through family foundations or donor-advised funds cannot receive tangible benefits per IRS regulations. 

For more information, or to donate with stocks, ACH or a credit card please call Assistant Director of Philanthropy Sydney Jones at (541) 382-4754 ext. 169 or email her at sjones@highdesertmuseum.org. 

Other Ways to Give 

If you would like to learn more about different ways to donate, please click the links below. 

Standard Memberships 

Adopt an Animal 

Corporate Support 

Legacy Giving 

Smithsonian Reciprocal Membership Program 

 

For information about corporate support, click here.