Spanish 
UP! Capital Campaign Update
JULY 2025
CAMPAIGN GOAL:
$8M
PLEDGED TO DATE:
$7.5M (94% of Goal)
UP!dating with a bold new vision!
Rising construction costs—driven by recent LA-area wildfires, global tariffs, and inflation—pushed the professional cost estimate for our original expansion vision to $20 – 22 million, well above our original $15 million target. At the same time, a shifting political landscape has put key sources of public funding on pause, making bold creativity essential.
Rather than stall progress, we’re forging ahead with a powerful, phased approach. Phase I launches an exciting new chapter: a 7,400-square-foot building that more than doubles the Museum’s current footprint, bringing us dramatically closer to unlocking the full potential of the Children’s Museum. It’s an ambitious move, and the momentum is real with 94% now raised towards our new $8M goal.
Our new vision for the expansion features a new 7,400 sf2 two-story building that includes:
In addition, the expansion will triple the number of interior restrooms (from 2 to 6) and provide better support for team members and space to store and prep supplies for programs and exhibits. More space will expand experiences that engage children ages 8-12 and offer much-needed relief from overcrowding.
Fundraising Progress: $7.5M Raised
We have been thrilled to receive several generous commitments over the past few months from community leaders, including Connie Codding, Herb Dwight, the Donald & Maureen Green Foundation, Vic Trione, Jennifer & John Webley, and Andy & Sam Werback. In addition, the Mendocino Lumber Company has pledged to donate all the lumber needed to build the expansion.
The Saba Foundation has also stepped forward with a transformational challenge, pledging to match all donations to the Unlock Potential! campaign received by June 30, 2026, up to a total of $620,000.
We are deeply grateful for their investment in Unlock Potential! Campaign and invite you to join them.
Project Progress
Exhibit Sneak Peek: STEM Empowerment Zone
Alongside the immersive Delta’s Voyage ocean-themed exhibit and the Inventor’s Garage maker space, the STEM Empowerment Zone offers children the opportunity to engage deeply with complex science concepts in a hands-on, interactive environment.
Children can explore the dynamics of air pressure and wind currents, while the properties of magnetism come to life at a Ferrofluid table. In the Revolving Circle exhibit, kids discover how rotational motion and force influence movement. A full-size Pin Wall invites children to press their hands, faces, or entire bodies into the wall, creating 3D impressions while exploring textures, pressure, and spatial awareness.
Additional interactive exhibits offer opportunities for kids to explore the science of light. A Shadow Play station with colored lights allows children to experiment with overlapping hues while learning about how light travels and changes.
Stay Tuned for More UP!dates…
Stay tuned for an in-depth look at the Motivity large-scale balls and ramps exhibit in the next edition of UP, UP, and AWAY!
If you know of someone who might be interested in learning more and going up, up, and away with joyful, transformative experiences for all children, please share this blog.
