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For more information about making a gift to AGU, please callInspirational Challenges
James A. Austin Student Travel Grant Challenge
Jamie Austin, AGU Development Board chair, made a challenge gift of $50,000 in 2005 to establish a student travel endowment fund. More than $150,000 in matching funds (outright gifts and pledges) were raised to meet this challenge. Now Jamie has made another $50,000 challenge gift to attract more student travel grant endowment gifts.
Every $3 in matching gifts releases $1 of Jamie's pledge. Contributions to existing named student travel grant funds, the annual student travel grant fund, student travel endowment fund, and AGU Canada student travel fund will help meet this challenge. Members who sponsor an annual student travel grant at the $1,000 level will be offered a naming opportunity.
AGU received 1060 applications for travel grants to attend the 2009 Fall Meeting, and 12% of the applicants received awards. We, AGU members, can do better than that. AGU's goal is to award 300 student travel grants.
David Strangway AGU Canada Student Travel Challenge
Dave pledged $10,000 to support travel grants for Canadian students.
The first $5,000 has been matched. Dave is challenging Canadian AGU members to match the second $5,000 of his pledge on at least a collective 1:1 basis.
Kris Harper/Ron Doel Geophysics History Challenge
Kris and Ron have pledged $10,000 to support two Harper/Doel History of Geophysics Fellowships.
For several years, members have donated to the Fund-a-Fellow check-off for this purpose. The check-off continues, but Kris and Ron are challenging you to step forward and match their pledge on a 1:1 basis so that this new fellowship program is “anchored” for the next five years. When you contribute $5,000 (the fellowship stipend), you will be offered a naming opportunity.
Betsy Miller Scholarship Challenge
Betsy Miller has pledged $25,000 to establish the David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship.
This scholarship honors Dave's pursuit of knowledge and education and his innate ability to help others to meet their true potential. It will be used specifically to inspire deserving undergraduate/graduate students of hydrologic and geo-environmental sciences. Dr. Miller, an AGU member for 16 years, belonged to the Hydrology Section. Betsy asks Dave's colleagues and other Hydrology Section members to consider honoring Dave with a collective gift of $10,000 to this scholarship fund.
Grace Ostenso Capacity Building Challenge
Grace has made a planned gift of $50,000 to help AGU seize unforeseen opportunities and to keep the Union healthy.
Ned Ostenso was a member of AGU for 44 years. The fund that bears his name honors his many interests. Ned was responsible for overseeing construction of AGU headquarters and for stewarding AGU's financial investments. Whenever AGU launched an appeal for financial contributions, Ned was among the first to respond. Now, Grace is challenging Ned's colleagues, including those he mentored, to follow in his footsteps and collectively match her gift on a 1:1 basis.
For questions about matching gifts or to create your own challenge, please contact Victoria Thompson, development manager, at vthompson@agu.org or 202-777-7471
