2025 –
“Programming with a Purpose” ensures access to all needed materials and resources for educational programs, offered twice-daily Tuesday through Friday. Over the last five years, CMoW has experienced significant and sustained growth, with program participation and overall visitation reaching new highs. Since July 1, 2024, daily programs have engaged over 2,330 visitors surpassing last year by 15%. Additionally, overall attendance has surged with annual projections estimated to reach 70,000 by June 30, 2025, no less than a 35% increase from pre-pandemic records. This increasing demand highlights the urgent need for additional resources to sustain and enhance our educational offerings.
All requested funds support programming through two components: Daily Programming Supplies (35% of requested funds) and Universal Programming Supplies (65% of requested funds).
The first portion will fund essential materials used in daily programs which are central to creating informal yet meaningful, play-based learning experiences that help children meet and exceed early developmental benchmarks. Featured programs include:
1. Full Steam Ahead: Fostering children’s curiosities by promoting science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to develop and further critical thinking skills.
2. Sci-Fri: By facilitating the art of asking questions, testing new ideas, and investigating outcomes, children and their caregivers are able to experiment in science-based activities providing important stepping stones for future scientific understanding and skill building.
3. Toddler Time: Geared towards our youngest visitors and their caregivers, little learners are able to experience early art, literacy, and sensory based activities to develop a strong foundation of learning.
The second portion focuses on long-term sustainability, funding durable and reusable materials that will support innovative programming. These universal supplies will provide educators with consistent access to modern tools that support current learning standards and expand educational opportunities. Project goals include:
1. Increasing access to modern, reusable learning resources.
2. Integrating up-to-date educational tools for innovation and skill-building.
3. Promoting play-based learning that cultivates collaboration, creativity, and social responsibility.
Through these efforts, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington continues to provide dynamic and inclusive environments that support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth—laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success. A grant award will directly amplify our ability to meet the growing demand for quality early learning experiences, expand access to critical resources, and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive through purposeful play and discovery.
2022-This grant will support half of the capital expenditures requested and the Title 1 schools
discounts.