Save the Museum of the Earth – Secure Its Future!

An Update on PRI’s Progress as of December 3, 2025

Over the last week we have raised over $450K towards the Save PRI Fund and that is all thanks to you, our community which means we are about $400K away from our goal! We wouldn’t still be here without all of your support so thank you!

We remain positive and focused on building awareness about the Museum, the Paleontological Research Institution, and our current financial challenges. We are still here, continuing to welcome visitors, inspire learners, and keep our doors open, thanks to the generosity of our supporters, both longtime and new, and the dedication of our incredible staff who bring the story of Earth to life every day.

There is still important work ahead. We are taking bold steps to strengthen PRI for the long term, including working to eliminate our remaining mortgage debt. But right now, the most important thing we can do is ensure that PRI remains strong today, fully operational, fully accessible, and fully able to serve our community and our world. We need to raise additional funds to Save PRI by the end of the year and we continue to do that in every way possible. We have made remarkable progress this year and remain deeply committed to our mission, thanks to the unwavering generosity, enthusiasm, and belief of our community. Thank you again!

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A brief overview of our current financial situation:

In 2023, the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) began navigating a serious financial challenge brought on by the sudden delay of major philanthropic gifts. These multi-million-dollar pledges, expected to support our operations (including payments on our mortgage) and long-term sustainability, did not arrive as anticipated, creating a cash-flow shortfall at a time when science education and public programming are more important than ever.

In response, we initiated a strategic restructuring plan aimed at preserving our core mission including protecting our world-class fossil collection and supporting science and environmental education through the Museum of the Earth and our online resources.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, members, and community partners, we have been able to sustain operations thus far and have already made important progress in building long term stablity though unrestricted contributions have increased, and restricted gifts towards paying off the mortgage debt. Yet, while this progress is encouraging, the gap remains significant: without sustained philanthropic investment and community support, PRI will continue to face risks that could affect our ability to maintain operations, collections care, public-access programs, and our long-term positioning as a national leader in paleontology and earth-science education.

We still have work ahead. We need to raise more than $500,000 in unrestricted funds in fiscal year 25-26. But we’ve made remarkable progress this past year and remain committed to our mission, thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our friends and supporters. Thank you!

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Contact our Development Department

All gifts made to PRI starting November 19, 2025 until further notice (unless otherwise specified) will be directed to The Save PRI Fund. A fund which was created to which shall be used exclusively to pay for expenses relative to the direct operation of PRI as a museum, but in no event for any capital expenses, or interest or principal payments on any debt, whether current or future.