Support Mt. Cuba Center

Our founders, Pamela and Lammot du Pont Copeland, cared deeply about native plants and open space, believing these were bound up together. Their legacy gift now supports Mt. Cuba Center’s day-to-day operations as a public botanic garden highlighting native plants of the Eastern Temperate Forest, as well as grant-making to protect ecologically important habitat in the Mid-Atlantic region.  

Our founders championed native plants long before their ecological benefits were widely known, but a growing body of research now points to native plants as critical for healthy ecosystems that allow pollinators, birds and other wildlife to exist and thrive. 

We invite you to help us build upon this momentum to create the kind of landscapes the world needs right now. 

Make a Gift

Our Native Plants Now! Fund provides general support for Mt. Cuba’s mission: to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them.

Why the urgency? We believe that our efforts must match the moment. Our landscapes urgently need more native plants to support healthy and diverse ecosystems. Your gift, of any amount, helps to fund Mt. Cuba Center’s native plant research and conservation efforts, amplify our message, and reach as many people as possible.

How We’ll Use Your Gift

You may choose to direct your gift to the area of greatest need or to an area of interest. Below are some examples of how your gift will support ongoing work at Mt. Cuba.

Gifts to Mt. Cuba Center are fully tax deductible.

Make a Gift

Support research that advances the use and conservation of native plants – from evaluating outstanding species in our Trial Garden and helping them get to market, to identifying climate-resilient tree species and more.

Fund Native Plant Research

Support internships that educate the next generation of native plant conservation professionals, Mt. Cuba’s outreach to a national audience, and more.

Fund Ecological Gardening Education

Support the protection and stewardship of vital habitat for native plants and wildlife. Your gift helps care for Mt. Cuba’s 1,000+ acres of natural lands, supports regional conservation grants that protect environmentally sensitive landscapes across the Mid-Atlantic, and more.

Fund Habitat Conservation

Deepen your impact by joining one of our giving societies. Learn more.

Any gift can be designated as a tribute in honor or in memory of someone. If you would like your recipient or a loved one to be notified of your gift, we will send a note to the recipient(s) of your choice notifying them of your gift (amounts are never included and notification is optional). Our Tribute Information Form link can be found in your confirmation email upon making your gift.

Naming opportunities for future Mt. Cuba Center native plant introductions may be offered from time to time for donors who demonstrate extraordinary support. Contact us to learn more.

 

  • By Check
    Make checks payable to Mt. Cuba Center, indicate “donation” in memo line, and send to: 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Attn: Philanthropy Office, Hockessin, DE 19707
  • Stock
    Contact Anne-Marie McMahon, Director of Philanthropy, by email or at 302.660.0551 ext. 312.
  • Wire Transfer
    Contact Anne-Marie McMahon, Director of Philanthropy, by     email or at 302.660.0551 ext. 312.
  • Donor-Advised Funds
    Name Mt. Cuba Center as a recipient of funds distributed by your Donor Advised Fund (DAF). DAFs offer immediate tax benefits for individuals, families or organizations, allowing them to do their charitable giving more efficiently.     

    Mt. Cuba Center’s EIN is 51-6001265 and our DAF verification form can be downloaded here.

  • IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
    Individuals age 70½ or older may make an outright gift to Mt. Cuba Center from a traditional IRA. Withdrawals can count toward your annual required minimum distribution (RMD). Please authorize the QCD to be paid directly from your IRA to Mt. Cuba Center at 3120 Barley Mill Rd, Attn: Philanthropy Office, Hockessin, DE 19707.