Help Build the Wildlife Museum That Puts Carroll on the Map.
Bob VanHorn's elephant, big cats, and world-class mounts can become a destination wildlife museum at Swan Lake - a place for families, school groups, outdoor enthusiasts, and visitors from across the region.
Why This Matters
Bob is donating his collection to the people of Iowa. The community's opportunity is to build the museum worthy of that gift: immersive habitat halls, conservation education, visitor experiences, and permanent recognition for founding donors.
Now Forming
Founding Patron, Safari Society, naming opportunity, community builder, and planned gift commitments. Multi-year pledges and non-cash gifts can make major participation possible.
Name the Moment Every Visitor Remembers.
The primary entrance hall and emotional centerpiece of the museum, anchored by Bob VanHorn's elephant and founder recognition.
The Case for This Gift
Every successful museum has a first image visitors remember. At Swan Lake, that moment can be Elephant Hall: scale, story, awe, and donor legacy in one room.
Recognition Package
Ways to Structure the Commitment
"Would your family consider becoming the founding name behind the room every visitor sees first?"
Each founding gift can be tied to a permanent part of the museum.
Naming opportunities turn an abstract campaign into something concrete: a hall, wing, exhibit case, classroom, archive, trail marker, or recognition wall that visitors see for generations.
| Opportunity | Suggested Gift | Recognition Concept |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant Hall / Grand Safari Hall | $1,000,000+ | Flagship entrance hall, elephant centerpiece, permanent name on the gallery threshold, maps, and opening materials. |
| Exhibit Wing Naming | $500,000 | Africa Wing, North America Wing, or Asia & Middle East Wing. Permanent name at wing entrance and on exhibit maps. |
| Conservation Theater | $250,000 | Education theater for school groups, conservation programs, donor events, and campaign presentations. |
| Research Archive Library | $250,000 | Home for Bob VanHorn field notes, photos, maps, video, and collection records. |
| Founders' Lobby / Pavilion | $100,000 | Highly visible interior lobby or outdoor Swan Lake gathering space tied to public arrival. |
| Named Exhibit Case | $50,000 | Donor-linked species case with custom exhibit story and permanent case recognition. |
| Outdoor Trail Marker | $35,000 | Interpretive station connecting the museum experience to Swan Lake walking trails and habitat education. |
| Safari Society Founder Wall | $25,000 | Permanent donor recognition wall for founding Safari Society members. |
| Named Brick Program | $5,000-$10,000 | Engraved community donor bricks in the entrance plaza or donor path. |
Payment Examples Make Large Gifts Possible
Examples show 3-year pledge schedules. Actual schedule can be customized to donor preference and campaign policy.
Founding Gift Commitment
Gift Commitment
Gift Type
Recognition Preferences
CODE
Give online: swanlakemuseum.org/give
Checks payable to: Big Game Museum at Swan Lake Foundation
Mail to: [Campaign Mailing Address]
Questions: [Campaign Contact] - [Phone] - [Email]