Volunteer Benefits
The biggest benefit for volunteers at The Academy of Natural Sciences is the opportunity to learn and share that learning with others. Whatever the task, it contributes in an important way to our work.
The following are some of the more tangible benefits offered to volunteers who maintain an active status at the Academy. These can change, and some privileges are offered in a modified form to volunteers who are at the Academy for only a short-term assignment.
- An invitation to the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held in the Spring;
- Volunteers receive a certificate of appreciation for three years of service; and a pin for the completion of five years and 10 years of service. There are also awards for exceptional volunteer service in a number of areas, and you may be nominated for our very own version of the “Academy Awards;”
- Free admission any time you visit the museum outside of your regular volunteer hours. Free entry to the “Butterflies!” exhibit at any time;
- Upon request, free museum passes to be used by your family or friends;
- A 20% discount on Academy Shop purchases;
- A discount on food and drink purchased at our Café;
- Free or reduced-cost trips organized from time to time for volunteers to visit other museums, nature centers, zoos, etc.;
- Use of the Volunteer Room for breaks or lunch and to find the latest information about the Academy and its programs;
- Deductions on your federal income tax for travel expenses, mileage and parking related to your volunteer work if you itemize deductions. (See IRS Publication 526 - Charitable Contributions or download a pdf version)