A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR TURBULENT TIMES
The AGA Foundation for Digestive Health and Nutrition distributed almost $3 million in research grants in 2008. Despite the current stormy economic climate, the Foundation aims to distribute the same amount in 2009.
“Our focus remains strong and clear,” said Foundation chair Sidney Cohen, MD, AGAF. “Nothing has changed. The pace of discovery must be sustained, and it is up to those of us in the profession to make it happen. The 70 grants we give out to gifted researchers each year boldly represent our commitment to progress.”
“Fundraising is definitely more challenging in the current economic environment,” he added, “but that is exactly when those closest to the cause stand up for what they believe in. This is a time for the members of the GI family to step forward to help sustain the continued vitality of gastroenterology and hepatology – especially as federal research budgets remain flat and diminished by inflation.”
Dr. Cohen pointed to the recent contribution to the foundation by Dr. and Mrs. Cornelius P. Dooley of Santa Fe, New Mexico. They have become the latest members of the AGA Legacy Society which honors the foundation’s most generous individual donors. “We are very grateful to Con and Susanne for their generosity,” he said. “As other physicians also review their charitable commitments in these tough times, I hope they will remain faithful and even consider increasing support for their charitable foundation.”
Dr. Cohen cited the cyclical nature of economic conditions to point out the importance of having a permanent endowment that will generate income to bolster current fundraising efforts, particularly in challenging economic conditions. “While an endowment of $8.3 million already has been assembled during the past six years, what we really envision is a $50 million endowment to ensure continuity in times like these. Until that happens, it is still critical that each of us generously supports our foundation.”
Click here to make a charitable gift to the AGA Foundation. For more information information about the AGA Legacy Society and other programs, please click here or contact Stacey Hinton at (301)222-4005.
