The end of the year is a good time to reflect on and reevaluate the accomplishments and contributions we have made in our lives. Many of us want to make a positive impact in the world and leave behind a legacy. As you prepare for the end of the year, think about making an important contribution in your life by donating to an academic health institution.
Every day, academic health institutions like UCSF change lives by solving real-world problems. The pandemic has shown all of us that supporting health and science is vital for our existence. These institutions are the backbone of the health science community.
From re-engineering cells using CRISPR, to advancing oral health and dentistry through personalized data and AI – UCSF and other academic health institutions make an impact year-round. Here’s why you should give to this important work:
- Academic health institutions are hubs where ideas can grow bigger! These communities have a unique advantage because they house many projects in one place, which encourages a cross-pollination of support and ideas. Oftentimes, one initiative will pave the way for others. Afterall, proximity is power.
- The work at academic health institutions can transform people’s lives. Every day, health and science continue to improve with fast-evolving technology. Academic health centers are often where new therapies and programs start. Donating, which can be high risk with high rewards, can provide seed funding for pilot studies and supporting radical ideas. That can lead to grants and sustainable funding for the work.
- Any amount – big or small – can make an impact. You don’t need to donate a fortune to make a measurable impact. A few dollars can support a program that gives hand-knitted hats for babies, or an endowed scholarship for faculty or researchers.
Philanthropic support is vital to accelerating novel research and new approaches to care. Providing seed money to promising, young researchers so they can conduct pilot studies helps them develop full research programs that often produce new diagnostics, devices or drug therapies. High risk-high reward research is another area where philanthropic support can bring quick and radical advancements. The possibilities are endless when you support academic health institutions. So, consider doing something new this year by supporting work that is changing the world.
– Leilynne Fong, UCSF Senior Director of Development
