Donate to MPSC

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center receives funding from a variety of sources including the State of North Carolina, ticket revenues, memberships, grants and private gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.

Donor Spotlight

IBM has generously donated laptop computers to support Morehead's science education efforts. IBM is a major supporter of science education efforts globally. Learn more about one of IBM's science education efforts, TryScience. +Download PDF.

Private gifts are very important to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. They provide many of the necessary funds MPSC needs to develop new shows, give scholarships to needy North Carolina schoolchildren to attend shows and begin much -needed renovations.

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center’s top fundraising priority is the recapitalization and revitalization of the half-century-old building. The Star Theater, exhibit halls, classroom, production areas and offices are part of the 60-year-old structure, and even the vast majority of equipment in the Star Theater is almost 40 years old. Renovation funds are needed to make MPSC into a worldwide leader in science education.

One of the major goals in maintaining and improving the planetarium’s production efforts is converting the various projection systems from analog to digital technologies. Over time this will involve replacing slide and special effects projectors with video digital projection systems.

We have instituted a new scholarship program that will provide scholarships to educational institutions (public and private schools, home-school groups, daycare facilities and other such groups) that require financial support in order to bring children to see a planetarium show. By sponsoring a school or county in North Carolina, a donor can provide for a group of children to attend educational programs at the planetarium.

The planetarium also needs annual support for ongoing Star Theater presentations and support for its Education Endowment. It hosts an annual fundraiser, the Jupiter Ball, in support of education programs and has an active membership program.

If you would like to support the efforts of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, you may do so by:

• Responding to a University fundraising letter or telephone call.
• Contacting External Relations Director Jeff Hill at (919) 843-7995 or jeff_hill@unc.edu.
• Donating online at any time. To choose the online option, please click on the "Make a gift to Morehead" logo or follow this link to the University’s Giving to Carolina Web page. Please be sure to designate Morehead Planetarium and Science Center to receive your gift.
• Check out the Legacy Club for planned giving opportunities.

Regardless of the method that you choose, please be sure to designate Morehead Planetarium and Science Center as the recipient of your gift.