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Learn About Upstate Play Partners!
At The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, we strive to embody a spirit of philanthropy. That’s why it’s one of our six core values. One way we demonstrate this value is through Upstate Play Partners.
UPP exists to allow at-risk, under-served communities, and families of children with disabilities to visit the museum free of charge, thanks to grant funding. Every year we award non-profits with a select number of museum tickets to distribute to the communities they serve.
The intention of the program is to encourage family time and hands-on learning together in support of the museum’s mission: Ignite a community of compassionate problem solvers through intentional and inclusive play.
To apply, please fill out the application form.
Partnership Agreement
- By receiving Upstate Play Partners tickets, all partner organizations agree to abide by the program policies. Please review the Upstate Play Partners Guidelines and Agreement for more information.
- Organizations that demonstrate a disregard for these policies may potentially lose their tickets and/or not be invited back to the program.
- Please note that if no more than 70% of tickets are redeemed in one calendar year, the organization is subject to ‘inactive’ status whereupon reinstatement of Upstate Play Partners partnership is contingent upon program capacity.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Community Engagement Manager Lindsey Lusk via email at llusk@tcmupstate.org or by phone at (864) 553-7928.
FAQS
How are tickets awarded?
- Tickets are distributed to UPP partner organizations once a year based on the usage history amount, TCMU’s amount of available funds, and successful application completion.
- A successful usage rate is defined as a redemption rate of 70% or higher per year. Ticket availability is contingent on funding, which the museum secures through individual and corporate donors.
- Each organization is responsible for determining its own distribution policy to its clients. Some organizations choose to make the tickets a reward for successful progress in or completion of a program. Others allow direct service providers (caseworkers, therapists, etc.) to pass out tickets at their discretion. Partner organizations have the freedom to develop a distribution model that best fits their needs, including when and how to distribute their ticket allotment.
- If most tickets allocated will be used at a specific time of year, please communicate with TCMU, as well as if the organization needs more tickets before the end of the year.
How are tickets distributed?
- Each organization will receive an account number. When families want to come to the museum, they will need to be provided with that code so they can tell our Guest Services team they are attending on behalf of the Upstate Play Partner program.
- Organizations can create vouchers to help keep track of how many “tickets” they have given out. Please list the organization’s account number on any custom tickets created.
Where are my tickets eligible?
- Organization tickets will be eligible for use in both our locations, TCMU-Greenville, and TCMU-Spartanburg.
- Please note TCMU-Spartanburg serves children 6 and under.
Who needs a ticket for TCMU entrance?
- Every person age 1 and up needs a ticket for TCMU-Greenville entrance.
- Every person 6 months and up needs a ticket for TCMU-Spartanburg entrance.
- TCMU counts individuals 16 years old and over as adults.
- Required ratio: the museum requires at least one adult per every 5 children
- For security purposes, adults may not enter the museum unaccompanied.
How do we get more tickets?
- The organization will be assigned a specific number of tickets at the beginning of the year. You can call us or email us at any time to see how many tickets you still have left.
- Your organization must use at least 70% of tickets per year to remain in the program.
- Unused tickets do NOT roll forward/accrue.
- If your organization requires more tickets than you currently have, please contact the Community Engagement Manager, Lindsey Lusk at [email protected] for Greenville tickets as special arrangements may be made.
- Remember, tickets are available contingent on funding.
When do our tickets expire?
- All tickets will be valid until the last calendar day that the museum is open for business.
- Please make every effort to use 100% of the tickets by that date as all tickets are generously paid for through contributions from private donors, corporate sponsors, and grants.
Can we use the tickets for a field trip?
- Yes, for groups of 15 or more, all partner organizations must fill out the following form: https://tcmupstate.org/greenville/greenville-group-visits/ so TCMU can prepare for your visit accordingly.
- Please indicate on the form that you plan to use Upstate Play Partner tickets.
- The 5:1 child to adult ratio must be met upon entering the museum. Groups will not be admitted until the quota is met.
Can staff members use tickets?
Yes, only in the following circumstances:
- The staff member is attending the museum as part of his/her job duties (e.g., a therapist attending with a family to practice skills).
- The staff member is serving as a legal guardian for the children attending (e.g., a group home worker bringing residents).
- The staff member provided transportation for the family to visit.
- The staff member is supervising the visit.
- A “community day” was planned and staff members are needed to reach the museum’s 5:1 ratio.
Staff members may not use a ticket in the following circumstances:
- As part of a fundraiser or auction. (You may request one family 4-pack per year by filling out this request form.)
- When visiting as a general patron for recreational purposes or with his/her family (i.e., not as part of his/her job duties)
Please contact the Community Engagement Manager if a situation arises that you feel meets these requirements but is not listed.
