Inspire the next generation. Help animals. Strengthen an enduring legacy.
Give a child the joy of nature discovery by helping to support free daily admission, and the care of our animals and their exhibits at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a nonprofit organization that depends on contributions, grants, and program fees.
How to make a donation
Send a donation in the mail to:
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Road
Bay Village, OH 44140
Giving Opportunities
Review the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center giving opportunities to see how your donation will have an impact.
Year-End Charitable Giving
During this season of giving, we want to share some helpful information about recent tax laws and year-end smart strategies:
Donate appreciated securities (stock)
- Consider a contribution of appreciated assets before tax law changes in 2026.
- Increase tax efficiency options if your investments have grown this year. A donation of appreciated stock to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center provides a deduction for fair market value and also eliminates capital gain taxes.
- By donating stock that you have owned for longer than one year, you receive the same income tax savings as you would by making a gift of cash. You also eliminate any tax on the appreciation.
Make a gift from your IRA
- Review your IRA required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2025.
- Beginning at age 70 ½ you can transfer up to $108,000 directly to charity and avoid paying taxes on the distribution. You will not pay income taxes on the transfer. If you are required to take minimum distributions, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your obligation.
Consider monthly giving
- Our donation link provides options for one-time or monthly donations.
Talk with your financial advisor about the 2025 tax changes that impact charitable giving and learn how to increase tax efficiency. Changes to the tax code beginning January 1, 2026 could affect how and when you make charitable gifts.
Ways to Give
Donor-Advised Funds:
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center accepts grants from donor-advised funds. The Center is a nonprofit organization, Tax ID #34-0845030.
Matching Gifts:
Ask your employer about matching your donation. Obtain a matching gift form from your employer and send it to the Center with your donation.
Donation with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA):
You can make a distribution from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) as a “qualified charitable distribution”. This may be of interest to people 70 ½ years of age or older. Provide instructions for a charitable rollover to your IRA custodian. The Center is a nonprofit organization, Tax ID #34-0845030.
Donor Appreciated Securities (Stock):
Donations of stock may be arranged by calling 440-871-2900 x201 to request transfer instructions.
Memorial and Tribute Gifts
Honor or remember a friend or a loved one with a donation to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Please provide the name of the honoree, and the name and address of the person to be notified of your gesture (but not the amount).
Our Ratings:
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is a nonprofit organization. Tax ID #34-0845030
Donor Privacy Policy | Gift Acceptance Policy
Recurring Gifts: To adjust frequency or cancel your recurring gift, please email info@lensc.org or call 440-871-2900.