Kids Discovery Factory Awarded $24,432 Grant from Institute of Museum and Library Services

Kids Discovery Factory (KDF) has been awarded a $24,432 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to support the development and implementation of a new museum membership program.

The funding will allow KDF to research, design, and launch a comprehensive membership model tailored to families of all sizes. As part of the project, KDF will investigate best practices from children’s museums nationwide, explore reciprocity programs that provide reduced admission to partner museums, and purchase the software and technology necessary to manage memberships.

“This grant allows us to thoughtfully build a membership program that strengthens relationships with families and ensures long-term sustainability for the museum,” said Emili Uden, Executive Director of Kids Discovery Factory. “Memberships will not only provide meaningful benefits for families but will also help fuel our mission of hands-on learning and exploration for children across southeastern Indiana.”

The new membership program may include benefits such as member-only hours, discounts on birthday party rentals, and potential participation in museum reciprocity programs, allowing KDF members to visit other museums at reduced admission rates.

Community input is an important part of the process. KDF is encouraging families and community members to share their feedback regarding membership options by completing a short survey available at the top of the museum’s homepage at www.visitkdf.org.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services FY2025 Inspire! Grants for Small Museums Award.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.