Special Funds
Unrestricted Donations
Unrestricted donations support the ongoing general operations of WSO, including its involvement in conservation and the publication of The Badger Birder and The Passenger Pigeon.
Scholarship/Grant Fund
Established in 1964. This fund supports the original purpose of WSO - to encourage the study of Wisconsin birds. It provides annual grants for field research and special educational projects, and professionals, students and amateurs are welcome to apply for these awards. When the fund was established, only the earnings on the fund's holdings were to be used to provide grants. However, because of low interest rates in recent years, the WSO Board has added money from the general funds so a number of meaningful grants can be awarded each year. Annual amounts awarded have totaled as much as $3,500.
Youth Fund
Established in 1997. Donations provide youth grants (grades K through 12) to enrich and stimulate educational and research activities related to the study of birds. This fund recognizes the need to reinforce an interest in birds during these developmental years. The goal of the fund is to have $600 available annually.
Honey Creek Fund
Established in 1962. Donations are used to offset expenses related to WSO's 264-acre Sauk County nature preserve and nature center.
WSO Endowment Fund
Established in 1944. The earnings of this fund may be used to assist with the costs of WSO publications or to fund special ornithological education projects in Wisconsin. In addition to direct donations, all Life and Patron membership payments are deposited to this fund.
Color Fund for The Passenger Pigeon
Established 2005. Donations provide funding for occasional printing of color images in our quarterly journal.
Bird Mentor Kits
From time to time, members have the opportunity to assist in special short-term Board-approved projects, such as our current Bird Mentor Kits. These kits, which eventually will be available in each Wisconsin county, have been developed for educational programs for youth and adults alike. Each kit contains binoculars, a spotting scope and tripod, and field guides and other literature.
Wisconsin's Favorite Bird Haunts
In another short-term project, members are able to help cover the cost of publishing the fifth edition of our own bird-finding guide to Wisconsin. Donations of any amount are most welcome; however, each donor who gives $50 or more to the fund will be listed in the book. Find complete details at Birding News.
Sam Robbins Shorebird Endowment Fund
Established in 2000. This memorial to Sam Robbins honors his bird conservation legacy while reflecting his wishes.
WSO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are fully deductible to the extent allowed by law.
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