An aerial view of the Heard Museum with a circular lawn.

Donate to
the Heard

Your gifts enable us to advance American Indian art through world-class exhibitions and programs.

Your Generosity Makes Our Work Possible

The Heard Museum relies on the generosity of supporters like you to serve as a jewel of our community — educating and inspiring our visitors while creating critical opportunities for artists and cultural partners.

We appreciate your support, whether you choose to donate to our Annual Fund, support an exhibition or program, or include the Heard in your estate plans. planned gift or gift of art. Your financial support enables us to advance our mission every day — thank you.

A youth hoop dancer jumping midair through a hoop during a performance.

Make a One-time Donation

Your gift to our annual fund helps support our day-to-day operations of curating first-class exhibitions and designing programs that honor, educate and inspire.
A brown and white tapestry with an ornate design.
Barbara Teller Ornelas, Diné, b. 1954, Two Grey Hills tapestry, 1995. Santa Fe Collection of Navajo Rugs donated by Dr. Charles and Linda Rimmer, 4650-31

Gifts of Art

A gift of art may be considered for accession into our world-renowned collection. If the items are outside the scope of the permanent collection, they could be considered for donation to Museum Shops for resale with proceeds supporting the museum’s ongoing operations. To inquire if a work of art might qualify for one of these options, please contact Diana Pardue.

Artist Fund

Did you know that in any given year, the Heard’s direct investment in American Indian artists – whether that’s purchases made by our award-winning Museum Shop or payments to performers, teaching artists, or demonstrators – exceeds $2 million? That’s about 15% of our annual budget going back to more than 1,200 American Indian artists every single year.

As we approach the end of 2023, the Heard Museum is as committed as ever to the artists whose work fills our galleries, Shop, and public spaces through an important new initiative: The Heard Museum Artist Fund.

By supporting this initiative, you are directly supporting American Indian artists. Here are just a few examples of what the Artist Fund supports:

  • Bringing museum exhibitions to life while supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of artists.
  • Presenting live musical artists and performances at events like First Friday and Holidays at the Heard.
  • Sustaining the Heard’s fair wage policy for exhibiting artists- one of the first such policies in the nation by an accredited museum.
  • Providing equitable pay for the teaching artists who share their knowledge with new generations of artists in our classroom and workshop programs.
  • Replenishing acquisition funds so that our award-winning Museum Shop can acquire the best works directly from the artists who make them.
Three women posing for a photo in front of a building.

Bequests

Bequests and other legacy planning vehicles ensure the Heard and American Indian art can be enjoyed by visitors for generations to come and are among the most meaningful gifts a donor can make. When you designate the Heard as a beneficiary in your will or trust, you’ll become an exclusive member of the Maie Bartlett Heard Society.

We make this type of giving easy. When you’re ready, we will provide sample language, and will work with you to ensure your gift will fulfill your financial goals and honor your legacy as desired.

Ready to take the next step? Request more information by filling out this form.

The Maie Bartlett Heard Society

In 1925, Phoenix businessman and newspaper publisher Dwight Heard provided $75,000 in his will to be used by his wife Maie Bartlett Heard “for construction, maintenance, and endowment for any form of benefaction for the benefit of Phoenix and vicinity.” From this, the vision of the Heard Museum was born – through its first bequest.

Anyone can make a planned gift! A gift from your estate can be a way of making significant donations to the charities you value most – while also maximizing the tax advantages of doing so.

Individuals who embody the Heards’ legacy and vision through planned giving are members of the Maie Bartlett Heard Society. Donors can join the society through a variety of means, from including the Heard in your estate plan to making a gift today through an IRA or stock donation. Every year, the museum celebrates members of the Society with an annual reception featuring museum staff, curators, artists and other community partners.

Society members receive invitations to an exclusive annual event acknowledging the Heard’s most devoted supporters.

If you have already included the Heard in your estate plans or would like to speak with someone about how to do so, please let us know. We will be happy to share any information that you and your advisors may need, and we will celebrate your commitment by including you in the Maie Bartlett Heard Society.

Carry on Maie Bartlett Heard’s legacy and take your first steps toward establishing a planned gift today.

Other Ways to Support the Heard

Support a Specific Program or Exhibition

Direct your gift to support your favorite program or an upcoming exhibition.

Contact Us

Make a Tribute Gift

Honor someone who loves the Heard by making a gift in their honor or memory.

Start Here

Support Us While Shopping at Fry’s

Do you shop at Fry’s? Select the Heard Museum on your Fry’s Community Rewards account.

Learn More

We’re Here to Help

To learn more about donating to the Heard or to discuss other giving opportunities, contact our team at giving@heard.org

The Heard’s legal name and tax identification number:
Heard Museum
2301 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004

EIN #86-0107517