guests looking in aquarium at columbus zoo

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Wilds, and Zoombezi Bay are committed to being good community partners.

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Zoombezi Bay, and The Wilds, we’re committed to showing up for our community in ways that create real, meaningful impact. 

To make sure our resources are supporting the greatest number of people, we are updating our donation request process. Beginning immediately, we will no longer accept individual ticket donation requests for the Zoo, Zoombezi Bay, or The Wilds.

We will continue to accept requests for large blocks of tickets.

 

Requirements

For your request to be considered, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Requesting organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit or a government agency with tax-exempt status
  • The request must include a copy of the organization’s IRS tax determination letter
  • The organization must be based in one of the following Ohio counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Guernsey, Licking, Madison, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Pickaway, or Union
  • No third-party requests will be approved
  • Organizations will be limited to one request per year
  • Your request must be submitted a minimum of four weeks in advance of your event
Additional Information
  • Tickets will become void after expiration and will not be reissued
  • Organization must have the ability to print off donated tickets via an email confirmation
  • Preference for Zoo tickets and Zoombezi Bay tickets will be given to organizations within Franklin County and preference for Wilds tickets will be given to organizations in Muskingum County
  • Donation requirements and policies are subject to change
  • Due to the large amount of requests, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of requests
  • The following groups are not eligible to make requests:
    • Individual/Families
    • Political parties or events
    • Organizations that will use the tickets as door prizes, contests, incentives, or for group admission

Group Grants

Organizations may request a block of Zoo or Zoombezi Bay tickets to help serve your organization’s goals or group. For your request to be considered, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Requesting organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit or government agencies with tax-exempt status located in Franklin County, Ohio
  • No third-party requests will be approved
  • All requests must be submitted online and received by the Zoo by the end of the month. The granting committee will consider the request at the beginning of the month following submission.
  • Organizations will be limited to one request per year

Other In-Kind Donations

In-kind requests other than tickets are allowed. These in-kind opportunities include gift baskets, Animal Program outreach, behind-the-scenes tours, and sponsorships. For your request to be considered, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Requesting organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit or a government agency with tax-exempt status
  • Organizations must be based in one of the following Ohio counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Guernsey, Licking, Madison, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Pickaway, or Union
  • No third-party requests will be considered
  • Organizations are limited to one request per year
  • Your request must be submitted a minimum of four weeks in advance of your event
Group Grant Requirements
  • Preference is given to organizations who have not received tickets within the last five years

  • Due to limited availability, not all requests will be approved

  • Tickets may not be resold or used for raffles/auctions

  • Tickets will become void after expiration and will not be reissued. Expiration dates are approximately six months from the date issued.

  • Parking ($10 per vehicle) is not included in admission tickets

  • Donation requests must be utilized for the purpose stated on the grant application

  • Grants are not given to schools since the zoo offers a separate program for schools. Schools can find more information by visiting https://www.columbuszoo.org/scholarships

  • Due to a large number of requests, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of requests

Requirements for In-Kind Donations
  • All requests will be assessed based on availability of the requested resource, potential financial impact to the Zoo, contribution to members of the community, recognition of a worthwhile program/cause, and overall community impact
  • Preference will be given to organizations located within Franklin County (for Zoo and Zoombezi requests).
  • Donation requirements and policies are subject to change
  • Due to the large amount of requests, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of requests
  • The following groups will not be considered:
    • Individual/Individual Families
    • Political Parties
    • Organizations planning to use the tickets as door prizes, contests, incentives, or for group admission

 

Request Donated Tickets

All donation requests must be completed online. No mail-in or email requests will be considered.

Please submit the following form at least 4 weeks in advance of need in order for your request to be considered.

While this page is being updated, we have disabled the donation request form. Please check back at a later date.