Successful ventures are built by visionaries who are willing to take risks. That’s one of many things I’ve learned by listening to NPR’s program, “How I Built This”. I’ve also witnessed this in ARCS. Twenty years ago, five determined women with a passion for science took a big risk when they founded ARCS Foundation Oregon. And that risk has paid off for nearly four-hundred STEM scientists, three universities, and countless research projects.  

We’ve seen tremendous growth and success over the years, supporting 11 scholars in 2005 to 93 this year!  Our success was driven by determined risk-takers who constantly adapted to their ever-changing environment.  

In keeping with its history, ARCS Foundation Oregon has undergone significant transformation over the past few years, and there is more to come. This makes for some rocky times, for sure. Some of us are change-averse and some are “early-adopters.” That’s just human nature.  

We now have the chance to expand our capacity to raise money and support record numbers of STEM scholars at OHSU, OSU and UO. We have hired a phenomenal Executive Director who knows how to grow development programs. We have invested in technology that will track our success in many areas and save us time and effort in this process. We have an experienced, talented treasurer who has her eye on our budget and has dedicated countless hours to informing and educating us about our financial health. We have a Board of amazing women who have made important decisions that have helped to guide us to this point. And we have several members with talents and abilities in the areas of change management, nonprofit administration, diversity and equity, and systems implementation to name just a few. 

ARCS Foundation Oregon is poised for another significant growth spurt. But that growth spurt will only be possible if we invest the financial resources needed to support it. Following in the footsteps of all mature non-profits, we must now turn our attention to funding the expanded operations necessary for future growth and success.  

Below are a few examples of what operational funding allows us to do: 

• Host scholar, member, and donor engagement events such as Pizza Parties, 20th Anniversary Celebration and Site Visits & Lab Tours 

• Marketing – Sponsor Science Friday on OBP 

• Host lectures and salons for prospective members and donors 

• Support 2 Full Time Staff to manage day-to-day mission work 

• Utilize modern technology to provide systems for staff, board members, and volunteers to collaborate and amplify our collective impact 

• Provide leadership development opportunities such as training on philanthropy, financial & investment management, change management, and other mission-related topics 

• Expand fundraising capacity 

As you know, we have received $25,000 from the Maybelle Clark MacDonald Fund on the condition that we can raise $25,000 in matching funds. Your contribution to help us raise the remaining $13,650 needed to match this gift will allow us to seize opportunities and adapt to emerging challenges in creative ways that have not been possible in the past. I hope you will join me and make a gift today.  

By Diana Gordon
President
ARCS Foundation Oregon