Update: 509 donors, met Diversity Challenge, met Annual Fund Goal, funded Membership Scholarships
We did it again! Just last Monday (June 28th), I wrote with the exciting news that ASOR had met the challenge of raising $75,000 to earn an extraordinary $150,000 matching gift. I also reported that we still had a small gap ($5,000) to close to reach our Annual Fund goal and to cover all scholarship requests ($3,000) for memberships and the Annual Meeting. Once again, you—our members—stepped up in an inspiring way.
Only two days later, by the end of the day last of June, we had surpassed our Annual Fund Goal of $125,000 by a little more than $800. We have also received enough donations to fund all scholarships requests. We also reached 509 donors for Fiscal Year 2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021).
Although the past 16 months have been some of the most challenging that I can remember, I am very proud of the way that ASOR members have come together to support and help each other. We awarded over 400 membership and Annual Meeting scholarships, and we dramatically expanded our online resources (click to view Educational Materials | Photo Collections | Map Collections | Member Resources). In addition to dozens of summer stipends and Annual Meeting travel grants, we are poised to award more than $150,000 in scholarships, grants, and awards over the 2021-22 academic year. Finally, our membership has grown to its highest number ever (more than 2,150 active members).
None of this would be possible without you, including the 509 of you that made a charitable gift in addition to your membership dues. I hope that you will take a moment to review the long list of colleagues who donated to make ASOR’s work possible. We are still updating and checking this list, so please contact us with any corrections or comments (programs@asor.org).
Finally, I hope that you will join me in reviewing our Lifetime Honor Roll of Donors, as well as the list of ASOR Legacy Circle Members. ASOR is fortunate to have so many people who have supported our mission over many years. I am grateful and humbled by your long-standing dedication and commitment.
Best wishes for a restful and productive summer.
Warm regards,
Andrew G. Vaughn
Executive Director