Vote Yes! August 4
for the Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage
On August 4, Genesee County voters will be making a very important decision to continue receiving educational experiences in the arts and sciences with free or discounted admissions as a benefit of the Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage. The 10-year millage creates one-of-a-kind educational opportunities for Genesee County kids, families, adults and seniors. It ensures that all Genesee County students — regardless of their zip code, age or background — can access robust learning opportunities and experiences beyond the classroom. To learn about all the benefits of the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage, go to GeneseeArtsandCulture.org.
If you would like to show your support by placing a yard sign in your yard, come to Sloan Museum, 1221 E. Kearsley St., Flint, MI, to pick up a free "Vote Yes" yard sign at the Guest Services desk.
Ally Challenge Charity Chip In
We are excited to announce that we are partnering with Ally Challenge Charity Chip In program to help further our mission and support the important work we do in our community.
100% of all donations made through Ally Charity Chip In will directly benefit Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium’s programs. In addition, Ally Charity Chip In will contribute an extra 10% for every individual or company donation made through their webpage, increasing the impact of EVERY gift. The organization with the highest number of individual donors will receive an additional $1,000 donation from Ally Charity Chip In! Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue providing meaningful programs, experiences, and opportunities for our community. We would greatly appreciate your consideration to support and encourage you to share this opportunity with friends, family and colleagues.
Spring Appeal 2026
This spring, we invite you to help Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium continue inspiring curiosity, creativity, and learning for children and families throughout our community. Your support will fund improvements to Hagerman Street, our beloved early learning gallery, expand hands-on STEM and Social Studies outreach programs in local schools, and help bring new immersive planetarium shows to Michigan’s largest planetarium. Together, these investments will enhance learning opportunities, spark imagination, and create memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. Thank you for helping us make discovery accessible, engaging, and inspiring for everyone
Make a Gift via a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) or IRA Charitable Rollovers, as they are sometimes called, are an increasingly popular way for donors 70 ½ or older to support the important educational and community work of Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium. You can make up to $111,000 in tax-free charitable distributions annually, lowering your taxable income, and if you’re age 72 or older, helping you to meet your minimum distribution requirement (RMD). To initiate a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA to Sloan Museum or Longway Planetarium – both operated by the Flint Institute of Science and History (FISH) – your IRA trustee will need the following information:
Legal name: Flint Institute of Science and History
Taxpayer ID: 82-2978635
Permanent address: 1221 East Kearsley Street, Flint, MI 48503.
You can download the form at the button below, fill it out, and send it to your IRA Trustee to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution.
Make a Gift – Make an Impact
At Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium, we witness the incredible impact that our community's collective support can have on shaping the future. Each day, individuals, families, foundations, and corporations come together to invest in the growth and prosperity of our community. Your contribution to our cause makes you a valued member of this distinguished group, enabling us to curate captivating experiences in history and science for our communities. We wholeheartedly depend on your philanthropic support to thrive and succeed in our mission. We express our heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable assistance. Together, let us continue creating engaging experiences that inspire and enlighten. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Discovery Society
Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium’s Discovery Society serves as an exclusive giving society for donors who have made an annual commitment of $1,000 or more to support our educational programming and operations. Discovery Society members enjoy a number of exclusive benefits as well as access to a Premium Level Membership to Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium.
Adopt-A-Car | Sponsorship Opportunity
Available for $1000 and are valid for a 12-month period
The Durant Vehicle Gallery inside Sloan Museum of Discovery displays 15-20 of Sloan’s 85+ historical and concept cars. Each vehicle has its own story to tell of ingenuity, creativity, and utility. Now is your chance to adopt one or more vehicles from the collection for yourself, or as a gift for the car enthusiast in your life. When you adopt, you will receive recognition on a personalized plaque inside the Durant Gallery. Adopt-A-Car sponsorships directly benefit the care and preservation of Sloan Museum’s historic vehicle collection. Adopt-a-car pricing is set to provide potential adopters with various levels to give and does not reflect the historic value of the vehicles on display.
Contact Development at 810-237-7331 for more information and car availability.
Longway Ambulatory Light Box | Sponsorship Opportunity
Available for $500 and are valid for a 5-year period
These astronomy light boxes feature strikingly illuminated astronomical images and are showcased around the perimeter of the circular corridor that surrounds the planetarium dome theater. For $500, your name and or company logo will be visible to approximately 250,000 visitors at the planetarium over the next five years!
Contact Development at 810-237-7331 for more information and availability.
Take-A-Seat | Sponsorship Opportunity
Available for $1,000 and are valid for the lifetime of the chair.
Longway Planetarium was updated in 2015, and again in 2021, with state-of-the-art digital technology and new reclining seats. This iconic Flint landmark will continue to provide inspiration for young and old alike to explore the mysteries of the universe. When you sponsor a seat, you are helping to sustain this vibrant community resource for future generations. Imagine returning to the new planetarium theater and finding the name of your choice engraved on a brass plaque on your seat. Taking your seat among the stars is easy! Simply fill out the attached form, send it back to us with payment, and we’ll make it happen.
Contact Development at 810-237-7331 for more information and availability.
Attend a Fundraiser
Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium hold 3 main in-person fundraisers per year: Mix and Mingle Under the Stars, Cars & Bars, and Night at the Museum Gala. To learn more and buy tickets, check out the Fundraiser Events page
To learn more and buy tickets, check out the Fundraiser Events page.
Planned Gifts That Leave A Legacy of Learning for Generations
Thank you for considering a planned gift to Sloan Museum of Discovery and Longway Planetarium. Planned gifts help preserve and grow our institutions, allowing us to provide exciting exhibits and programs in science, history and technology. Planned gifts of $10,000 or more will receive a lifetime membership to our exclusive Discovery Society. Download a brochure here, or request that one be mailed, for more details.
WAYS TO GIVE
- Cash (checks)
- Publicly Traded Securities
- Life Insurance when Sloan Museum and/or Longway Planetarium is named as the owner and beneficiary of the insurance policy
- Tangible personal property that has a use related to Sloan Museum and/or Longway Planetarium’s tax-exempt purpose
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Charitable Trusts
- Bequest within a will or trust
- Gift Annuity Agreement
- Retirement Plan and/or IRA Designation
GIFTS WE CANNOT ACCEPT AT THIS TIME
- Closely held Securities
- Pooled Income Fund monies
If you would like more information on how to make a planned gift, please contact the Development department at development@SloanLongway.org, or call 810-237-7391.
Why Make a Gift to the Annual Fund?
Young minds depend on your support. Each year, over 65,000 schoolchildren experience Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium's field trips and outreach programs. Additionally, more than 250,000 people enjoy our traveling hands-on science exhibits, historic vehicle displays, and planetarium shows annually.
Give today through cash, pledge, or appreciated securities. All gifts of $1,000 or more are automatically enrolled in our Discovery Society. Discovery Society members get access to many exclusive benefits including special events and discounts.
Donations to Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium are tax-deductible charitable contributions.
If you prefer to send your contribution by mail, please make a check payable to Sloan Museum and send it to:
1221 E. Kearsley St. Flint, MI 48503
For more information, email Development@SloanLongway.org or call 810-237-7391.
Longway Planetarium and
Sloan Museum of Discovery
Annual Report
