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.

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

You May Also Like…

Eco Electrical Joins DRI’s Corporate Partners Program

Eco Electrical Joins DRI’s Corporate Partners Program

The DRI Foundation is excited to announce that Eco Electrical Systems has joined the 2025 DRI Corporate Partners Program. Eco Electrical Systems has been designing and manufacturing bird guards for power lines for over 23 years. Their industry leading flame-retardant, track resistant and UV resistant products reduce avian and wildlife electrocutions, wildfires stemming from avian electrocution, and momentary and permanent power outages for some of the largest electric utilities. The Corporate Partners Program brings together a select group of organizations to collaborate with DRI leadership, scientists, engineers, and students.

Teichert Foundation supports STEM Education Outreach in Washoe County

Teichert Foundation supports STEM Education Outreach in Washoe County

The Teichert Foundation has generously provided support for DRI’s STEM Education Program to engage in a targeted STEM education outreach and engagement campaign in Washoe County, Nevada. This campaign will utilize three existing, bilingual Next Generation Science Standards aligned STEM kits that touch upon electricity, energy, and ecosystems topics, respectively. This campaign focuses on connecting with underserved PreK through third grade students and parents.