Community Organization Memberships
A program for nonprofits working to improve the lives of local children and families.
Community Organization Memberships
Thinkery is proud to offer Community Organization Memberships to Central Texas nonprofits who work to improve the lives of local children and families experiencing financial hardship, facing crisis situations, or navigating other barriers.
This free program is part of Thinkery’s Open Door Initiative, a program funded by the generous support of individual donors, foundations, and our business partners.
Please read the guidelines carefully before submitting your organization’s membership application. For additional information, see our FAQ.
Membership Guidelines
- A Community Organization Membership will provide your clients with free admission during general admission hours. Discounts on store purchases and fee-based programs are not included.
- Community Organization Membership recipients are required to follow Thinkery’s health and safety guidelines while visiting. Tips for your visit can be found online at thinkeryaustin.org/visit-us.
- This membership is intended for use by smaller groups. Groups of 9 or fewer are required to have at least a 1:5 ratio of adults to children and may visit at any time reservations are available. If you wish to bring a group of more than 9 children, please contact our school programs team for a field trip. Availability is limited and additional fees may apply.
- We request that users of the Community Organization Membership make online reservations in advance with your contact. Clients interested in walk-up admission may be asked to provide the name of their organization upon arrival. Walk-up admission is based on museum capacity.
- Thinkery reserves the right to revoke a Community Organization Membership if being used improperly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about Community Organization Memberships
Why does Thinkery offer Community Organization Memberships?
Thinkery’s mission is to provide innovative learning experiences that equip and inspire the next generation of creative problem solvers. Unfortunately, there are numerous cultural, economic, and societal factors that limit the opportunity for some children to access Thinkery.
Thinkery seeks to ensure every child has the opportunity to explore STEAM concepts and develop a lifelong love of learning by removing financial barriers to access. That’s why Thinkery created Community Organization Memberships.
Community Organization Memberships are available to Central Texas nonprofits who work to improve the lives of local children and families experiencing financial hardship, facing crisis situations, or navigating other barriers. Client families of partner organizations can then enjoy free general admission.
Who is eligible for Community Organization Memberships?
501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply on behalf of their organization and its clients if they:
- serve children and families
- do not discriminate based on physical ability or neurological diversity, race, religion, ethnicity, or sexual orientation
- offer free services for clients
If you have questions, please contact our Membership team at (512) 469-6225 or membership@thinkeryaustin.org.
Who may use Community Organization Memberships?
Community Organization Membership is for use by your organization’s clients only. Your staff are eligible to use the card only when accompanying your clients on visits to the museum.
Do we need to reserve tickets in advance?
No, although reserving tickets in advance is highly recommended due to our limited capacity. Information for logging in to your online account and reserving tickets for your clients will be included in your membership welcome email. Clients may be able to reserve tickets in-person upon arrival, based on museum capacity.
Does completing this application guarantee a Community Organization Membership for our organization? How are Community Organization Memberships awarded?
We offer a limited number of Community Organization Memberships based on capacity and funding, so only organizations that closely meet the guidelines can be considered. A committee reviews applications and identifies organizations that are aligned with our program. Your organization will be notified of our decision by email.
How long is the Community Organization Membership valid?
Community Organization Memberships follow our fiscal year calendar, which runs from October 1 – September 30. We will contact you in early September regarding membership renewal.
Can this Membership be used for our organization’s fundraising efforts?
No. These membership benefits are for your clients’ use only.
Thinkery’s Advancement Department will consider requests for donations of single-visit admission passes to support local fundraising events. Donations for your event may be requested at thinkeryaustin.org/donation-requests.
If you have any additional questions, please contact our Membership team at (512) 469-6225 or membership@thinkeryaustin.org.