student working in planetarium

The planetarium offers many opportunities to Ball State students and the community. We take great pride in offering quality educational and entertaining programs to all visitors at no charge.

Whether you give to the planetarium, volunteer your time, or receive a student internship, each and every contribution is essential in the continuation of these great programs.

Give to the Planetarium

We greatly appreciate your interest in helping support the planetarium. Each donation directly impacts Ball State students and the Muncie community. Your donation provides funds for the welfare, support, and advancement of the programs and public outreach events we provide.

Gifts can be made online, by check, or by phone through the Ball State University Foundation. Additionally, gifts can be made in-person at the planetarium by cash or check.

If giving on-line, please use the following instructions:

  1. Click on the "MAKE A GIFT" link below.
  2. Complete the form as instructed and make sure to include any planetarium fund numbers or information in the “Comments about this gift?” section of the form.

Make a Gift

If giving by check, fill it out to “Ball State Foundation” and include “#6803” or the associated account number in the memo. The check can be brought in and given to planetarium staff or mailed to:

Ball State University Foundation
2800 W. Bethel Ave.
Muncie, IN 47304

Planetarium Accounts

Please consider the following choices and include the account number when you make your donation to the planetarium.

Provides funds for the welfare, support, and advancement of planetarium programs.

The purpose of this fund is to support the science educational outreach mission of the planetarium to K-12 children.

Funds may be used for, but not limited to, providing transportation for groups of children, the purchase of materials for educational programs, and the professional development of teachers and planetarium faculty/staff related to science education.

Preference should be given to programs that serve underprivileged children.

planetarium seatsThe Charles W. Brown Planetarium houses 152 comfortable, reclining seats. Your sponsorship helps our audiences enjoy an awe-inspiring experience.

You can enjoy your very own seat under the stars with your name on our seating chart for a gift of $400.

To make your gift, please use our online giving form. Be sure to include the name/number of the following fund in the comments/additional gift details field: “Seat Naming: #6803.”

You may also send a check made out to the Ball State Foundation and include “Seat Naming: #6803” in the memo.

If you have any questions, contact Kyle Pierce at 765-285-4232 or by email.

The Charles W. Brown Planetarium includes a gallery featuring graphics of the 12 zodiac signs. You too can be among the stars by naming a star for yourself or someone you wish to honor.
For a $1,000 gift, you can have your name or the name of someone special posted on the constellation wall for all to see!

stars and constellationsTo make your gift, please use our online giving portal. Be sure to include the name/number of the following fund in the comments/additional gift details field: “Star Naming: #6803.”

You may also send a check made out to the Ball State Foundation and include “Star Naming: #6803” in the memo.

If you have any questions, contact Kyle Pierce at 765-285-4232 or by email.

Volunteers and student interns are essential here at the Charles W. Brown Planetarium. Comprised of campus and community members, they assist with group visits, public events, and outreach by directly engaging with our guests or by assisting behind-the-scenes.

What's It Like to Work Here?

Want to learn more about the faculty and staff you’ll get to work with?

Volunteers and paid student interns undergo extensive training, meeting with the planetarium director various times throughout the year.

Qualifications

Prospective volunteers and interns, who are students, must:

  • have a GPA of at least a 3.0
  • be at least 16 years old

All volunteers must pass a criminal background check.

How to Apply

Please complete and submit an application to be a volunteer or student intern. We strongly suggest that you email us prior to submitting your application to see if there are positions open.

Apply for a Position

Please note that applications are only reviewed at the start of each academic semester.

Sponsorships offset the cost of programming, hands-on activities and exhibits, ongoing maintenance, and technology replacement. They are a great way for businesses and individuals to support the work of the Brown Planetarium at Ball State University. Every contribution directly affects our community.

Annual Sponsorship Options - Good for 1 calendar year
Level 1 = $1,000 includes sponsor logo displayed on the planetarium lobby digital monitors.
Level 2 = $2,500 includes the benefits of Level 1 as well as 1 special private planetarium
showing for up to 150 guests.
Level 3 = $5,000 includes the benefits of Levels 1 & 2 with the added benefit of the planetarium lobby made available 1 hour before or after the special private planetarium showing. Additionally, the sponsor logo will be projected inside the planetarium, on the dome, before all planetarium events.*

Sponsor a Planetarium Show - Good for 5 years
Single Show Sponsorship = $7,500 includes sponsor logo displayed at the beginning and end of the planetarium show with the words, "This program was made possible by the generous support of our sponsor." The logo will be displayed in a way that grabs the audience's attention - such as an added zoom or a spin effect. Sponsors will also get 1 special private showing for up to 150 guests and the use of the planetarium lobby for 1 hour before or after the show. The sponsor logo will be displayed on the public lobby digital monitors and projected on the dome before all planetarium events.*

*Planetarium events include all planetarium-run public events and private school and group programs and may not include special private events hosted by the planetarium.

To sponsor the planetarium, contact Steve Fulton at 765-285-1080 or by email. To learn more about the Brown Planetarium visit www.bsu.edu/planetarium