Desert Sage Society

Desert Sage Society

Join a special community of donors!

When you contribute $1,000 or more annually to support 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 patron, 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:

• 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 Schnitzer Entrance Hall donor wall and in the annual report
• 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

Member vs. Patron 

All donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually are welcomed into the Desert Sage Society (DSS) and receive the core benefits listed above. 

If you choose to enroll as a DSS Member, you will receive the tangible membership benefits outlined under each giving level. (Please note that the fair market value of these items will reduce the tax-deductible portion of your gift.) 

If you prefer to retain the full tax-deductibility of your donation, you may waive tangible benefits. As a DSS Patron, you will be recognized at your giving level and enjoy any associated non-tangible benefits. This option allows you to retain the full tax-deductibility of your donation. (Required for gifts from donor-advised funds or IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions.) 

Desert Sage Society Levels

Fellow ($1,000)

• Unlimited free admission for two adults, two adult guests and all children/grandchildren (tangible value – $155) 
• Eight guest passes per year (tangible value – $192)
• Eight Raptors of the Desert Sky tickets (tangible value – $64)
• Gift of Family membership to a recipient of your choosing

$683 of the Fellow level membership is tax-deductible.

Curator’s Circle ($2,500)

All Fellow level benefits plus:

• Additional two guest passes for a total of 10 (tangible value – $240)
• Additional two Raptors of the Desert Sky tickets for a total of 10 (tangible value – $80)

$2,142 of the Curator’s Circle level membership is tax-deductible.

Museum Associate ($5,000)

All Curator’s Circle level benefits plus:

• Additional two guest passes for a total of 12 (tangible value – $288)
• Additional two Raptors of the Desert Sky tickets for a total of 12 (tangible value – $96)
• Gift of the Adopt an Animal Guardian package for a recipient of your choosing

$4,601 of the Museum Associate level membership is tax-deductible. 

Director’s Council ($10,000)

All Museum Associate level benefits plus:

• Additional two guest passes for a total of 14 (tangible value – $336)
• Additional two Raptors of the Desert Sky tickets for a total of 14 (tangible value – $112)
• Private behind-the-scenes wildlife tour for up to 8 people

$9,560 of the Director’s Council level membership is tax-deductible.

Founder’s Circle ($25,000+)

All Director’s Council level benefits plus:

• Additional two guest passes for a total of 16 (tangible value – $384)
• Additional two Raptors of the Desert Sky tickets for a total of 16 (tangible value – $128)
• Private curator-led tour of the Museum’s Vault for up to eight people
• High Desert field trip with Executive Director and Curator on a mutually agreeable date 

$24,519 of the Founder’s Circle level membership is tax-deductible.