Your support delivers impact in so many ways
Join us in our mission to inspire learners of all ages to unleash their potential. Your donations have enabled us to operate our world-class venues, create transformative educational experiences, and advance innovation, ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Every gift makes a difference, delivers impact and helps us take it forward for many years to come.
Honor and Memorial Gifts
A gift to The Henry Ford in honor or memory of a loved one is a wonderful tribute for any occasion. Not only will your gift be a lasting tribute, it will also provide critical funding The Henry Ford needs to maintain our unparalleled collections and share our stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation.
The Henry Ford welcomes contributions in any amount. All gifts will be recognized with an acknowledgment letter to the recipient; the gift amount will remain confidential.
To learn more about our honor and memorial gifts, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 313-982-6115 or email giving@thehenryford.org.
Matching Gifts
Did you know that many companies offer a matching gift program to encourage philanthropy among their employees? And that some companies will even match for spouses and retirees?
By simply completing a matching gift form (online or paper), you may be able to double, or even triple, the impact of your gift. Use the search field below to see if your employer participates in a matching gift program.
Donor Societies
Your enthusiasm and support are critical to our mission. By becoming a Donor Society member, you are choosing to be part of a community dedicated to ensuring that The Henry Ford continues to inspire the next generation of innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs.
All Donor Society members receive unlimited access to Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village in addition to accessing exclusive events and programs.
Planned Giving
Planned Giving is a deeply meaningful and impactful way to express your commitment to The Henry Ford and our mission to provide unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. A planned gift is more than a donation — it's a statement of devotion and trust in The Henry Ford's continued role in shaping the future of innovation and education.
Stories of Impact
Invention Convention Worldwide
In 2022, over 156,000 K-12 students from around the globe participated in The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention Worldwide program, identifying problems and designing solutions to help shape a better future.
The Jackson Home
The Jackson Home, now more than 100 years old, is a unique time capsule documenting one of the most momentous movements in U.S. history: the Selma to Montgomery marches — a sustained effort to ensure that all Americans would have the civil rights and voting rights promised to them.
The Henry Ford's Farm to School Lunch Across America
Launched in 2024, The Henry Ford's Farm to School Lunch Across America program is an initiative aimed at providing locally sourced, in-season, regeneratively farmed, and free lunches for K-12 school children across America.
Field Trips and Student Programs
For over 90 years, The Henry Ford has been a favorite field trip in the region. Our staff educates, engages and inspires student groups with programs, exhibits and experiences that leave an impression.
Detroit Central Market
We opened this market in spring 2022, saving this important piece of history from demolition and bringing the market back to life. It now serves as a learning platform, and our staff collaborates with community partners to educate visitors around important issues related to food, agriculture and the environment.
Accessibility Programs
We are committed to providing the highest quality visit for every guest. We have improved our accessibility and inclusion in an array of ways, from facility improvements, such as new Companion Care restrooms with adult changing tables, to providing accommodations, such as sign language interpreters.
Lillian Schwartz
In early 2021, we secured the Lillian F. Schwartz & Laurens R. Schwartz Collection, which includes thousands of objects that document artist Lillian Schwartz’s expansive and inquisitive mindset.
Gog and Magog
For decades, Sir John Bennett's shop—with its figures of mythological giants Gog and Magog—has intrigued and enthralled Greenfield Village's visitors. Thanks to the continuous restoration efforts of our teams, they are kept in pristine condition, even with over 125 years of timekeeping in England and America.
Cornerstone Day
Every year on September 27, you have the power to make history by participating in Cornerstone Day — a day of giving that pays homage to our foundation of innovation. Your generous donation to The Henry Ford paves the way for us to expand our programming and collections, preserve our 26 million artifacts and ignite the spark within learners around the globe.
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Membership
Help us preserve history and inspire innovation. Become a member today to make a lasting impact.
Volunteer
Join us in teaching others to learn from tradition and help shape a better future.
Corporate Support
The generosity of our partners helps make many of our programs and activities possible.