Endowment Funds

If you want to make a lasting impact consider a contribution to one of Catawba Science Center’s endowment funds. Endowment funds provide long-term support for science education programs through gifts that generate perpetual funding through investment growth. Gifts to the endowment funds are held in perpetuity with interest generated through an investment policy that is overseen by CSC’s endowment committee. Endowment funds may be established for a general or specific purpose.

CSC Manages 3 endowment funds

General Endowment
This fund provides unrestricted funds in support of CSC’s mission for Changing lives and Inspiring learning through science and wonder. Interest from this endowment supports exhibits, activities, and presentations offered at our site on the SALT Block. Its origins date back to 1986 when Carol Robinson suggested the need for an uninterrupted source of funds.

Science Discovery Endowment Fund
This restricted fund is designated to promote the interaction between science professionals and youth. The idea and initial funding were provided by Charles Dixon in memory of his former father-in-law, Harold “Doc” Edgerton, and the Edgerton Foundation. Mr. Dixon related how Doc would come to Hickory and take time to visit his grandchildren’s school. Doc Edgerton took great joy in seeing the excitement in children as he talked about innovations in science.

Ridgeview Endowment Fund
Through a donation from Bank of America in 2006, the Ridgeview Endowment Fund was created to ensure that families in the Ridgeview community and underserved areas in the Unifour region have access to the Catawba Science Center and educational science experiences.The Ridgeview Endowment Committee, currently under the leadership of Ms. Shawn Clemons, oversees yearly disbursements that have supported scholarships for Summer Fun Science Camp, sponsored exhibits and events like Ridgeview Family Days, Dino Day, lectures, planetarium shows, and more to further the understanding of science and technology at the Catawba Science Center.

All contributions to a CSC endowment fund are invested in diversified accounts and managed by an endowment committee that reports to the Board of Directors. Individuals making a current or future gift, equal to or greater than $5,000, will become a member of CSC’s Legacy Society.

Making a Gift to CSC's Endowment Funds

There are many ways to make a present-day or future gift to Catawba Science Center. We recommend that you talk to your financial advisor in order to determine the best method for making a contribution. Examples include the following:

Cash Contribution

Planned gift

Charitable Remainder trust

Gift of Stock or appreciate assets

Legacy Society

The Legacy Society was created in 1998 to recognize those individuals who have given $5,000 or more in a present-day or future gift to one of CSC’s endowments. In 2012 Catawba Science Center held its 1^st annual gathering of society members in order to keep them abreast of how their gifts have provided support of science education in the Hickory Metro region. These members are also recognized on a bronze plaque in the entrance hall at Catawba Science Center.

For more information about the Legacy Society, click here.

For more information on how you, or your business, can support CSC contact CSC’s Executive Director or the Development Office at donorrelations@catawbascience.orgor 828.322.8169 x. 313