Building on the legacy of Henry and Emily Folger, the Folger Shakespeare Library will advance its commitment to serving as a gift to the American people in ways that the 21st century demands with The Wonder of Will: The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library. We will share our collection, deliver highest-quality humanities research and learning experiences, and engage diverse audiences in exhibitions and performances. Essential to this effort will be the addition of a new pavilion featuring galleries and accessible, inviting public spaces.
The Wonder of Will will raise $50 million to support this project and the Folger’s many programs that bring Shakespeare and his world to life for scholars, students, enthusiasts, and you.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL
- fund the construction of a new pavilion and improvements to the Folger’s historic Cret building;
- deliver new and innovative experiences to larger, more diverse audiences who will engage with our collection, exhibitions, productions, and programs in Washington, DC, online, and around the globe; and,
- provide flexibility for the Folger to respond to emerging needs and opportunities.
The Wonder of Will: The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library launched April 15, 2019, and will conclude with the dedication of the New Pavilion in 2022-2023. Watch a video introduction to the campaign
Naming Opportunities and Donor Recognition
Naming opportunities in the New Pavilion, exterior plazas and gardens, and historic Cret building are available for $100,000 to $10 million. In addition to providing capital support—our greatest need—gifts may be unrestricted or support the Folger’s collection, scholarly research, education, and public programs. New endowments may be established for gifts of $50,000 or more.
Donors of $1 million or more may sponsor one of the Folger’s 82 First Folios in perpetuity and be recognized with that Folio in the First Folio Gallery in the Shakespeare Exhibition Hall, where the extraordinary collection will be on permanent display.
All donors of $25,000+ to The Wonder of Will will be recognized in publications and reports throughout the campaign. Donors of $100,000+ will be recognized on a donor wall in the New Pavilion.
For more information, please contact the Office of Development at 202.675.0303 or wow@folger.edu.
Groundbreaking Challenge
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the $1,000,000 Groundbreaking Challenge in support of The Wonder of Will: The Campaign for the Folger Shakespeare Library. This six-month initiative finished more than $200,000 over its goal and raised more than $2.2 million in new support. There were many extraordinary contributions to this success, including an exceptional gift from the late Dr. Elizabeth L. Eisenstein, whose commitment to the Folger’s mission powered the challenge to its completion. Thank you to those of you who participated in the Groundbreaking Challenge and to those who are still considering investing in the Folger’s future.
