Osher Institute meets and exceeds $10,000 annual giving goal well ahead of year's end

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Richmond has exceeded its $10,000 annual giving fundraising goal for the 2017 calendar year, well in advance of the end of the year.

The Osher Institute’s annual giving fundraiser seeks to raise money to support the Institute’s quality programming and its financial sustainability at the University of Richmond. While funds have been raised in previous years, this is the Institute’s first formal annual giving campaign.

The campaign is supported in part through a capacity-building grant the Institute received from The Bernard Osher Foundation. The grant provides funds to local Osher Institutes for developing long-term sustainability and growth to ensure they remain strong and support the learning needs of senior adults. At Richmond, grant funds are being used to support fundraising efforts, to recruit new members, and to increase membership renewals.

Amy Edwards, Stewardship Assistant, has coordinated the successful fundraising effort with the assistance of the Osher Institute’s director, Peggy Watson, and its volunteer Leadership Council members; the dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies; and the University of Richmond Advancement Office.

The $10,000 goal was exceeded just prior to the Osher Back-to-School Mixer, held September 12. Gifts continue to be accepted through the end of the year.

Osher Institute membership dues and course fees cover part of the Institute’s annual costs. Remaining costs are covered by income earned on the original Bernard Osher Foundation endowment to the University of Richmond. Funds raised through the annual giving campaign will be used to support and expand programming for Institute members and to strengthen the Institute’s fiscal health.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Richmond is a program of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. The Institute is a membership organization for learners 50 and better that provides learning, service, leadership and social opportunities to its members. The annual giving campaign has been established to address core themes from the Osher Institute’s strategic plan.