Lowell Nussbaum Society
THE NUSSBAUM LEGACY
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 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.
Nussbaum Donor memberships of $1,350 or more are tax deductible less the value of the membership ($307).
Nussbaum donors are invited to attend a variety of exclusive donor-only events throughout the year, including:
- Donor Walkabouts
- Donor Exhibit Openings
- Donor Animals and All That Jazz Reception
- Donor Appreciation Dinner
- Donor Holiday Party
*Dates are subject to change, and additional events may be added throughout the year.
- Free parking during regular hours and discounted event parking
- 8 ride and feed tickets annually
- 10% discount at the gift shop and select Zoo eateries
- Early registration and discounts on Zoo Camps
- Discount on Dolphin In-Water Adventure
- Discount off general admission for up to 6 guests
- Subscription to Inside the Zoo Donor Magazine and Indianapolis Zoo Magazine
Nussbaum Donor Membership Levels
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
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