Your generous support keeps our mission alive!
We bring public access to the founding place of modern astronomy. Minds such as Shapley, Hale, Hubble, and many more made incredible discoveries and contributions to the world of astronomy at the Observatory. We provide public access to our 60- and 100-inch telescopes, concerts, lectures, and tours all on the Observatory grounds. Be a part of maintaining and advancing the Observatory for now and millennium!
Donate Online
Donate by credit card online, or via Venmo or Zelle for maximum convenience.
Donate By Mail
With support from people like you, the Mount Wilson Institute can keep the legacy of George Ellery Hale, found of the Mount Wilson Observatory, alive and continuing in its second century. We receive no regular governmental or institutional support — we need your partnership to keep this historical gem available now and in the future.
Donate Stocks or Bonds
A gift of unsold, appreciated securities is one of the most tax-efficient ways to support the Mount Wilson Observatory. Such a gift offers you two distinct tax advantages: avoiding capital gains tax on the increased value of the stock, while also providing a charitable deduction for its full fair-market value when the stock is donated.
To transfer stock, please contact us at donations@mtwilson.edu for a stock form to provide to your brokerage firm.
Legacy Giving
As part of your estate plans, you can leave gifts to the Observatory. By making the Mount Wilson Institute a beneficiary to various assets, such as securities or insurance policies, you can help continue the mission and vision of the Mount Wilson Institute.
Please discuss your estate planning options with your accountant or legal advisor before making any decisions or changes.
Employer Matching
Employee match programs help make your donation go further. Utilizing these programs can double your gift! Check with your employer to see if they will match your donation!
Donor-Advised Funds
Donor-advised funds (DAFs) is a charitable investment account for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations. If you use a DAF, you can make your gift directly online or ask your advisor to make a gift on your behalf. You can also use the DAF Direct form to recommend a grant directly to Mount Wilson Institute.