Conner Prairie is a place that inspires people of all ages to experience and learn more about science, history, art and nature; a place where the past is used to connect, learn and grow; a place where the past illuminates and inspires the future. Conner Prairie is a place like no other, a place that relies on generous supporters like you.
Philanthropic support comes in all shapes and sizes – from one-time gifts to our museum to planned estate gifts. You can support Conner Prairie through a donor membership or in honor of a loved one. Learn more about the ways to give below.
Give Online Today
Support the Mission Impact Fund
When you support the Mission Impact Fund, you are making possible the many activities and experiences that take place at Conner Prairie. Your generosity is crucial in providing field trips for students, food for animals, historic clothing, and much more.
Support the Prairie Pathways Campaign
Gifts to the Prairie Pathways Campaign lay the groundwork for Conner Prairie’s future, expanding our natural and historical resources and our Smithsonian affiliation.
Give through Membership
Join Conner Society
Join the Conner Society and make a lasting philanthropic impact at Conner Prairie. Conner Society donors provide Conner Prairie with the stability and support necessary for our museum to grow and thrive.
Become an Explorer
Support Conner Prairie with a meaningful philanthropic gift, while enjoying the benefits of membership. Donors provide Conner Prairie with the stability and support necessary for our museum to grow and thrive.
Other Ways to Give
Corporate Sponsorship
Conner Prairie has ample opportunities for businesses to achieve corporate social responsibility, hospitality and marketing goals while supporting a valued cultural institution in central Indiana.
Become a Legacy Donor
With a planned gift, you can support Conner Prairie for generations to come. Learn more about including Conner Prairie in your estate plans and becoming a member of the Lantern Legacy Society.
Double your donation
Many companies will match their employees’ philanthropic donations. See if your employer will double, or even triple, your gift to Conner Prairie.
Honor Someone Special
Giving a tribute gift is a thoughtful way to honor someone special, remember a loved one, or celebrate a special occasion. If you wish, upon receipt of your gift, Conner Prairie will send a special notice to an honoree of your choosing.
Shop for Good
Did you know you can support Conner Prairie just by doing your everyday shopping? Enroll in a shop for good program and the company will donate a portion of your purchase to Conner Prairie.
Donor-advised Fund
You can make a gift directly to Conner Prairie from your donor-advised fund by clicking the link below. Gifts from donor-advised funds do not qualify for member benefits. If you choose to give through a donor-advised fund, please contact our Development team so that we can properly acknowledge your gift.
Meet the team
Email: sommers@connerprairie.org
Phone: 317-214-4463
Jennifer Sommers
Jennifer Sommers, Conner Prairie’s Associate Vice President of Development, joined the nonprofit sector in 2001. She holds both a BA and MPM from the School of Public Affairs at Indiana University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive from CFRE International. She has worked in nonprofits representative of the museum field, as well as education and health and human services. Jennifer and her family enjoy regular visits to Conner Prairie and particularly enjoy the heritage breeds, Spark!Lab, and Treetop Outpost. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys baking, running, and volunteering in the community.
Email: kferguson@connerprairie.org
Phone: 317-214-4479
Kim Ferguson
Kim Ferguson, Conner Prairie’s Director of Individual Philanthropy, has worked in the nonprofit sector since the beginning of her career. After graduating from Purdue University with her B.A. in Public Relations Kim gained experience in communication and before deciding to pursue her master’s degree. She graduated from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy where she received her M.A. Kim believes in the power of education and the importance of learning from history - a perfect fit for her role at Conner Prairie. In her free time, you’ll find Kim traveling, attending arts performances, or trying new restaurants.
Email: hitchcock@connerprairie.org
Phone: 317-214-4765
Emily Hitchcock
Emily Hitchcock, Director of Corporate and Community Relations, has over 12 years of experience in community relations and corporate fundraising. Emily is passionate about connecting resources in the community to create a better place for us all to live and work. A proud graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in Hospitality Management, Emily is passionate about ensuring every corporate and community partner feels their impact on the museum and is connected to the mission of Conner Prairie. In her free time, Emily loves spending time with her husband and daughter, camping, cooking new recipes, and reading.
Email: sigler@connerprairie.org
Phone: 317-214-4733
Emily Sigler
Emily Sigler, Conner Prairie's Director of Foundation Relations, has nearly a decade of professional non-profit experience in grant writing, peer-to-peer fundraising, marketing, and digital communications. A Hoosier at heart, she graduated from Saint Louis University with a BA in Communications before moving back to central Indiana to begin her professional career. Emily has worked with both national and local organizations and loves crafting a compelling ask to create impactful change in her community. She is excited to help foundations “step into the story” at Conner Prairie! In her free time, Emily enjoys being outdoors, going to concerts, trying new coffee shops, and perfecting the long-weekend getaway.
Email: silcox@connerprairie.org
Phone: 317-214-4721
Erin Silcox Jacobs
Erin Silcox Jacobs, Senior Manager of Annual Fund and Donor Relations, has worked in fundraising and nonprofit communications for nearly a decade. Erin has been passionate about giving back to her community since being a dedicated volunteer in high school and college. A graduate of Ball State University with a B.S. in English, Erin has supported both local and international nonprofits through grant writing, annual fund fundraising, donor stewardship, communications strategy, and volunteer management. Erin enjoys the outdoors and is a lifelong learner—making Conner Prairie a great fit. Erin also loves to travel to new places—outside of work you’ll find her extensively planning her next trip.