The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is set to open in 2012. (CBC)

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, under construction in Winnipeg, has received a big boost in the form of a $2 million donation.

The funding gift comes from a cluster of companies including Power Corporation of Canada, Great West Life, London Life and Canada Life, and Investors Group.

The museum's campaign chair, Gail Asper, said the donation helps set an example for other corporations and individuals who want to be part of creating the first national museum in Canada to be built outside of Ottawa.

“The new Canadian Museum for Human Rights will make a noteworthy contribution in both the Canadian and international context,” said James Burns, director emeritus of the Power Corporation.

“We are pleased to be involved in the development of the important and meaningful asset that the museum will become.”

The cost to build the museum, scheduled to open in 2012 at Winnipeg's historic Forks Market area, is $310 million.

The federal government has committed $21.7 million annually for its operating costs, on top of $100 million previously announced as a capital investment.

The Manitoba government has put $40 million toward the project and the City of Winnipeg has approved a $20-million contribution in cash plus land, infrastructure and forgiveness of property taxes.

But $36 million still needs to be raised, according to The Friends of the Museum, a charity created to promote the establishment of the museum and act as its fundraising organization.

The museum's mission is to enhance the public's understanding of human rights, promote respect for others, and encourage reflection and dialogue on various human rights issues, according to a release from the federal government.