McAllen, TX- The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) has launched a “Pay It Forward” fund, with the goal of offering fully funded memberships for families in need. As an expansion of its Membership for All (MFA) program, which currently serves families who qualify for WIC/SNAP, this program will provide MFA memberships to first-time members free of charge.

Supporters can fund this program in two ways; purchasing a Visionary Membership to fund three MFA memberships or making a direct donation to the Pay It Forward program, ensuring that all children, regardless of family income, can gain access to the museum. Individuals and businesses may also make restricted donations anytime to this fund to serve families and individuals who qualify for public assistance. A direct, restricted donation of $25 can fully fund one Family membership through the Pay It Forward Membership Fund.

Supporting the Pay It Forward program helps IMAS continue to be a destination for accessible, innovative, awe-inspiring learning through diverse art and science experiences that prepare our community for the future.

Applications for sponsored memberships will be accepted June 1 through August 31 for the Pay It Forward membership program in person or on the IMAS website, on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible applicants. Memberships will be issued in September 2023 to be active through the following calendar year.

Members of the community have encouraged and seeded this effort through individual sponsorship of memberships for the public. Most recently, Trucha RGV, a multi-media organization, donated six individual memberships and opened the doors for these first-time museum members to participate in the annual Juried Member’s Art Show at IMAS.

“In support of our ongoing DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) work, and with feedback from our community, IMAS is establishing this fund in alignment with our mission,” says Aylaia Sifuentes, Development & Membership Coordinator at IMAS, “By supporting the Pay It Forward Fund, we can work together to begin shaping tomorrow’s leaders in important cultural and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.” To make a direct donation to the Pay It Forward fund at IMAS, please call Sifuentes at (956)681-2817 or visit theimasonline.org/member to donate online.