The Lowell Nussbaum Society honors donors who give $1,350 or more each year. Named after the journalist who helped bring the Indianapolis Zoological Society to life in 1944, this society celebrates supporters who share his vision. Your generosity helps sustain the Zoo’s daily operations, allowing us to provide world-class animal care, create engaging experiences for guests of all ages, and advance vital conservation programs.
Nussbaum Donor memberships of $1,350 or more are tax deductible less the value of the membership ($307). Nussbaum donors enjoy membership to the Zoo and White River Gardens for their family (including two adults and all (grand)children under 21) plus four guests, along with special donor benefits. If you would like to mail in your donation, print out the giving slip or contact Kate Corey, Annual Giving Officer, at 317-630-2025 or [email protected]. Proceeds from donor memberships help support the animal conservation mission of the Indianapolis Zoo.

Chairman’s Circle: $1,350-2,499: All above benefits
Naturalist’s Circle: $2,500-$4,999: All above benefits + facility rental discount
Guardian’s Circle: $5,000-$9,999: All above benefits + personalized annual behind-the-scenes experience + lunch
Conservationist’s Circle: $10,000-$24,999: All above benefits + meet & greet with VP of Conservation & Education and Global Center for Species Survival staff + lunch
Steward’s Circle: $25,000: All above benefits + meet & greet with Zoo President + lunch
Parties with a Purpose
IRS Regulations prohibit gifts made through donor-advised funds (DAFs), IRA qualified charitable distributions, private foundations, United Way, Benevity, or similar entities from being applied toward tangible benefits like membership benefits. To work within these guidelines, many donors choose to make the charitable portion of their gift through their DAF and pay the fair market value ($307) of the associated membership separately.
The value of membership benefits are based in part on current Zoo membership prices, which may increase in future years. You may choose to waive these benefits to maximize the tax deductibility of your gift.
Indianapolis Zoo Federal Tax ID: 35-1074747
Please contact Kate Corey, Annual Giving Officer, at 317-630-2025 or [email protected] with any questions about becoming a Nussbaum Society member.