Donors Fund Endowment that Transforms Big Ideas into Groundbreaking Environmental Solutions and Offer a Dollar-for-Dollar Match up to $2 million

In 2018, the Innovation Research Program (IRP) fund was established with donor support to provide critical financial resources that allow and encourage DRI faculty, students, and staff to test and pursue their very best ideas.

Researchers in hardhats watch as a wildfire burns in the distance.
Researcher in the lab wearing gloves and using equipment.
Researcher studying a plant illuminated by the sun.

Earlier this year, thanks to generous matching commitments from the Tom and Mary Gallagher Foundation and the Bretzlaff Foundation, DRI established the IRP Endowment, ensuring funding in perpetuity. To maximize the impact of the IRP Endowment, the Gallagher Foundation and Bretzlaff Foundation have made their commitments a dollar for dollar match up to $2 million with a goal of raising a $5 million endowment.

Over the past six years, the $750,000 awarded to DRI faculty in IRP funding has resulted in over $20 million in additional funding secured – a very good return on investment. And over twenty research teams have been supported on their quest to find impactful environmental solutions.

Thank you to the Tom and Mary Gallagher Foundation and the Bretzlaff Foundation for their continued support of Science That Matters Now.

If you would like learn more and pledge your support to fund critical research that fuels a better future, contact Kristin Burgarello, Director of Advancement, at 775-673-7386 or Kristin.Burgarello@www-dev.dri.edu. 

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August 20, 2024

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DRI Foundation | Innovation Research Program

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