Zantop Travel Endowment Fund

Why should you support this campaign?

Success and Impact of the Zantop Award

The Zantop Travel Award has helped support fifteen dissertations since 2002.  Testimonials from recipients of the award show that it was not only the money, but also the work and inspiration of Susanne Zantop that had an impact on them. 

Advantages of Creating an Endowment

WiG has the opportunity to create an endowment:  We have agreed to raise $25,000, to be matched by a private donor.  The endowment will ensure that the Zantop fund is ongoing.  WiG will thus be able to continue supporting graduate student research and also focus our fundraising efforts on other initiatives.

WiG Members are Supporting the Campaign

Fundraising requests to long-time WiG members during 2008-09 generated gifts and pledges totaling $13,425, and $11,475 had been received by August 2009 (donors can pay in installments). Through the generosity of several Wiggies who were able to give $1,000 or even more, the goal of $10,000 in the first year was exceeded. While we are proud of the fundraising success so far, we can’t forget that more than half the total amount must still be raised!

Amount Awarded Annually

With last year’s fundraising success, WiG is able to increase the amount awarded (formerly $500). The new policy provides for a maximum of two $1,500 awards per year, depending on the number of qualified applicants. The 2009 Zantop winners, Anja Shepela at the University of Minnesota and Kathleen Smith at the University of Illinois, each received $1,500.

Fiscal Responsibility

WiG is investing donations received toward the Zantop Endowment in an interest-bearing account.  Donations will be used only for the Zantop Award for Graduate Student Travel.

Tax-Deductible

WiG is a 501 (c) (3) organization.  Contributions to WiG are deductible from your itemized federal tax return.  You will receive an official receipt from the WiG Treasurer, Waltraud Maierhofer, for each donation you send.

Donor Recognition

The names of donors to the Zantop Endowment will be published on the WiG website after the entire amount has been pledged.  Of course, if you prefer, you can ask that your donation be kept anonymous.