Edwardsville Children’s Museum seeks partners for all free admission program
The program, which ensures all children have access to learning, welcomed a record 1,500 guests in 2025
A view of Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM).
In 2025, Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM) provided free admission to more than 1,500 guests in 2025 who otherwise would not have been able to visit due to financial constraints through its ECM For All program.
Thanks to the support of caring businesses across the community, ECM For All expands access to the Museum for children whose families receive food stamp assistance, funds full or partial field trip scholarships to schools in under-resourced communities, and offers free admission in May and December for foster families.
With rising costs affecting households across the region, the need for free, joyful learning experiences continues to grow. Between 2024 and 2025, ECM For All requests have increased by 135 percent, and because ECM never turns a child away, support from local partners is vital to continuing this valuable program.
To help fund children’s opportunities to play, learn, and explore in 2026, ECM is offering two sponsorship opportunities:
- Friend of ECM For All: This $500 sponsorship helps fund free admission for 50 children. Sponsors receive recognition on all ECM For All printed materials, the ECM website, museum signage, and social media.
- Presenting sponsor: With a $2,500 gift, sponsors provide free field trips to 12 classes or cover the cost of admission to more than 60 foster families. In addition to everything included with Friend of ECM For All, the presenting sponsor is recognized with a logo on the ECM website, in the ECM annual report, and at the ECM annual Sponsor Day. Partners at this level can also send representatives to the Museum on a pre-arranged day to promote their business.
“At Edwardsville Children’s Museum, we are dedicated to ensuring we remain a place where every child feels welcomed and inspired,” said Kristen Fries, ECM executive director. “Fulfilling this promise requires a community-wide partnership of businesses and individuals who share our commitment to fostering discovery and curiosity for all children, regardless of their families’ circumstances. Together with our generous partners, we can spark joy for even more kids in 2026 and beyond.”
To learn more about becoming an ECM For All Sponsor, visit www.edwcm.org/support/museums-for-all or contact Fries at [email protected], (618) 692-2094.
Submitted images.
About Edwardsville Children’s Museum:
Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM) is committed to stimulating curiosity and cultivating learning at the age of wonder. ECM believes that kids of all ages learn through discovery and hands-on play. All exhibits and programs are designed to build happy and curious learners from ages six months to 60 years. Families are invited to explore ECM’s exhibits, discover its seasonal programs, or become members for year-round learning fun. For more information, visit www.edwardsvillechildrensmuseum.org.
