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The Barnes Foundation Surpasses Fundraising Target While Growing Membership Exponentially

June 27, 2011
  • World-renowned foundation raises over $200 million
  • Membership rises sharply from 400 to more than 10,000 in less than two years reflecting unprecedented growth

Philadelphia — The Barnes Foundation today announced that its capital campaign has passed $200 million. In addition to exceeding its original fundraising target the Barnes reports extraordinary growth in its membership from 400 in July 2009 to more than 10,000 today. This 2,500 percent increase, which continues to grow, places the Barnes membership program among the largest of similar institutions.

"We are deeply grateful to the many donors whose generosity has allowed us to exceed our objective for this campaign," said Bernard C. Watson, Chairman of Board of Trustees for the Barnes Foundation. "Surpassing our initial fundraising mark and attracting thousands of members clearly demonstrate enthusiasm for the Barnes Foundation's compelling vision of access and openness. This support and our partnership with Lincoln University make it possible to advance the educational mission of Albert Barnes for generations to come."

News of the successful fundraising milestone comes soon after the announcement of improvements to the Merion campus.

Raising more than $200 million fulfills campaign promises to fund both the new home for the Barnes Foundation on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and an initial endowment.

"The Barnes has long been handicapped by the lack of an adequate endowment, and this initial endowment is a critical step forward," said Derek Gillman, Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation. "This inspiring show of support will allow us to continue our core educational programs while making the collection so much more accessible to an expanded audience of visitors and students, who are eager to explore the unique Barnes perspective and experience."

The Philadelphia campus on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, designed by the New York architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, will open to the public in the late spring of 2012.

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For more information contact:
The Barnes Foundation
215.278.7160
press@barnesfoundation.org