EverWonder Children’s Museum, a local provider of hands-on educational opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) for children up to age 12, recently received its largest grant to date, a $100,000 challenge grant from the Jeniam Foundation.

The grant is designed to challenge EverWonder, its board, members, and supporters to raise $100,000 in donations and pledges. This will include both donations received in 2019 and pledges, or promises, for donations in 2020. Jeniam will match, dollar for dollar up to $100,000, all donations and pledges that EverWonder receives by December 31, 2019.

Since receiving the grant in March, EverWonder has raised more than $30,000 in donations and pledges, including a $5,000 grant from Tier One and $1,000 grants from M&T Bank and Deloitte & Touche LLP. Having secured additional donations and pledges from each member of its board of directors, EverWonder is formally announcing the challenge grant to actively solicit support from the broader community.

“EverWonder is excited for the possibilities that this grant will create,” stated Merredith Christos, the museum’s executive director. “This grant allows us the opportunity to not only be sustainable, but also continue to create new programs, add and improve exhibits, and extend our outreach to the community.

“Our main goal is to position EverWonder as a regional, versus local, museum,” Ms Christos added. “In order to grow, we need the help and support of our members, supporters, and area businesses and foundations.”

As part of the challenge grant, EverWonder is accepting sponsors for existing, unpartnered exhibits and is actively seeking sponsors for its Escape the STEAM Room exhibit. Additionally, 2019 will see the museum launch its EverWonder for Everyone program, using proceeds from targeted grants to provide free or discounted admission to children attending Title 1 schools who are excited about STEAM. EverWonder is also looking forward to updating its current exhibits by adding AR codes throughout the museum, as well as creating an animated Question Mark logo to help attendees throughout the museum.

Tripp Killin, Jeniam’s executive director, explained “EverWonder has built successful programs and is having a wonderful impact on our community. It’s time to grow that impact and to position the organization for an ever stronger future.”

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all donations are tax deductible in the year of their contribution. Donations toward the challenge grant can be done either in person at the museum, at 31 Pecks Lane; by check mailed to EverWonder Children’s Museum, 31 Pecks Lane, Newtown CT 06470; by phone at 203-364-4009; or online at everwondermuseum.org/donate.