The Smithsonian raised $2.5 billion a year ahead of the schedule to fund museums, research and education; the drive became the largest campaign in the history of a cultural organisation

• Image Credit: Jeremy Norwood/SmithsonianThe Smithsonian Institution has raised $2.5 billion through its Campaign for Our Shared Future, reaching its fundraising target a full year ahead of schedule.
• Announced on 5 February 2026, the achievement marks the largest fundraising campaign in the history of a cultural organisation.
• Launched in 2018, the initiative brought together donors from across the United States and around the world to support the institution’s museums, research centres, educational programmes and cultural projects.