Funds
Impact Funds
Ukraine Scholar & Student Support Fund
This emergency fund will enable OIST to host scientists, both scholars and students, from Ukraine on a temporary and humanitarian basis as well as support Ukrainian students and staff already at OIST.
The Situation
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has led to one of the largest refugee crises since WWII. The international scientific and academic community is being called upon to play a role to save lives, preserve scientific knowledge, and assist Ukrainian scientists and students during this unprecedented time. As an international institution, OIST stands ready to welcome scientists from Ukraine and will work with domestic and international partners to accomplish this. The OIST Foundation, as a U.S. non-profit organization, will assist through its robust network with the Scholar Rescue Fund at the Institute of International Education (IIE), Scholars at Risk, and other networks. For students, faculty, and staff at OIST who are from Ukraine, the situation is tough and the OIST Foundation stands ready to assist.
Words are Not Enough: A Call for Action
The National Academy of Sciences in the United States has issued a strong message stating that “words are not enough” and calling for scientific and academic institutions around the globe to work together to accommodate Ukraine’s scientists and their families until it is safe for them to return to their homes. The OIST Foundation, in partnership with OIST, is prepared to act and seeks flexible financial support that can be utilized to support Ukrainian refugees to get to OIST and support their stay.
The Fund will support programs and initiatives such as:
- Costs associated with bringing Ukrainian refugee scholars and students to OIST on a temporary and humanitarian basis
- Costs to onboard and host scholars and students and their families at OIST
- Mental health and crisis related services
- Emergency support for Ukrainian students and scholars at OIST
- Critical support to assist the OIST community with the situation in Ukraine including workshops and training programs and providing resources for teaching and mentoring students, colleagues, and peers in difficult times
- Support for Ukraine scholars, students, and families to develop future career pathways and plans
- Support needed for OIST scientists to help Ukraine rebuild its scientific and academic institutions following the current violence. As stated by the National Academy of Sciences: The international scientific community will need to help rebuild science and research infrastructure in Ukraine when the time is right.
*The OIST Foundation may utilize funds raised to support Ukrainian scholars and students at other universities in Japan should the entirely of funds raised not be utilized by OIST.
**OIST Foundation is reducing its overhead fee to 5% or below for donations to this fund.
Donors in Japan can support this effort via the OIST Ukraine Emergency Support Program
To make a tax deductible donation in Japan to support this effort, please visit this page.
Information for Ukraine Scholars and Students
Possible opportunities at OIST are listed here: https://scienceforukraine.eu/
The Scholar Rescue Fund and Scholars at Risk Network offer opportunities for scholars in need of placements.
Contact Us to Discuss DETAILS
OIST Foundation (U.S.):
info@oistfoundation.org
(914) 296-4260
OIST (Japan): groups.oist.jp/giving | donation@oist.jp
Preserving Ukrainian Science and Society
Statement from OIST’s President & CEO, Dr. Peter Gruss, on the Situation in Ukraine
In recent days, the world has witnessed the Russian government launch a full-scale invasion in Ukraine. We understand that this evolving situation has been distressing for many people in our community and we are here to support you.
Science is global, and in these times, standing together as one scientific community is more important than ever. At OIST, we have students, faculty, and staff from all over the world, including Ukraine and Russia. Furthermore, many in our community have colleagues, families, and friends living in these regions.
As a proud member of our international community, I recognize our responsibility to support our diverse community members and partners around the world. We continue to stand in solidarity with those who courageously strive for peace, self-determination, and democracy.
We are working to support our scientific community and our OIST community and in these uncertain times.
As a sign of solidarity and to support academia, OIST is prepared to welcome scientists from Ukraine on a temporary basis and humanitarian grounds.
As well, Ganjuu Wellbeing Services are offering additional support and resources (Ganjuu webpage).
This is a highly distressing time. We encourage our students, faculty, and staff to come together and support each other as we look to the future with hope for peace.
Sincerely,
Peter
***
OISTコミュニティの皆様へ
ここ数日、ロシア政府によるウクライナへの本格的な侵攻について、世界中が注目しています。このような状況の激変に、多くの方が心を痛めていることに思いを馳せながら、皆さんを支援する所存です。
科学はグローバルなものです。このような時代だからこそ、私たちはひとつの科学コミュニティとして団結することが、これまで以上に重要です。OISTには、ウクライナやロシアを含む世界各国から集まった学生、教員、職員がいます。さらにコミュニティには、同僚や家族、友人がこれらの地域に住んでいる方々が、数多くいらっしゃいます。
OISTは国際社会の一員として、世界中の多様なコミュニティメンバーやパートナーを支援する責任があると認識しています。私たちは、平和、自己決定権、民主主義のために勇気を持って尽力する人たちと連帯を続けます。
この不確実な時代に、科学者コミュニティとOISTコミュニティを支援するため、私たちは行動しております。
OISTは、連帯の証および学術界を支援するため、人道的な理由によるウクライナからの研究者の一時的な受入れ準備ができております。
同様の理由でがんじゅうサービスは、さらなるサポートとリソースを提供いたします。（Ganjuu webpage）。
今は非常に辛く苦しい時です。それでも平和への希望を胸に、未来を見据えながら、学生も教職員も一丸となり、互いに支え合ってまいりたいと考えます。
ピーター・グルース
The Rita R. Colwell Impact Fund for the Advancement of Women in Science
The Fund will position OIST as a role model in gender diversity for Japanese and international educational institutions worldwide.
A Global Problem
Maximizing economic development and innovation for the betterment of humanity requires diverse viewpoints, experiences, and expertise. Yet, the global gender gap in STEM-related fields is alarming: Around the world, fewer than 30% of researchers are women. In Japan, that number is below 20%.
A Collaborative Solution
OIST, in partnership with the OIST Foundation, established
The Rita R. Colwell Impact Fund for the Advancement of Women in Science as an extension of our commitment to support and empower women in STEM. The Colwell Fund is a flexible financial resource for fostering a culture of diversity and gender equality on campus, nurturing women and girls interested in science, and creating opportunities for women to advance their careers and become leaders in the field.
The Fund will support programs and initiatives such as:
• Targeted faculty recruitment efforts for women.
• Creating a supportive culture for women on campus through workshops,
networking, mental health resources, and discussion groups.
• HiSci, the STEM outreach programs for high school girls in Okinawa.
With your support, more women can fulfill their aspirations as leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Join OIST and the OIST Foundation in supporting the Colwell Impact Fund. Your gift is an investment in fair and supportive systems for the advancement of women students, research scientists, and faculty.
Contact Us to Discuss Impact Funds
Contact Us to Discuss Impact Funds | OIST (Japan): groups.oist.jp/giving | donation@oist.jp
Honoring
Dr. Rita Colwell
“I’m very proud to be on the OIST Board, which makes a dedicated effort to recruit women scientists. I am honored to have this important fund bear my name.”
The Colwell Impact Fund is named for Dr. Rita Colwell, a member of the Board of Governors since 2011. Dr. Colwell served as the 11th director of the National Science Foundation (1998-2004) — the first woman to hold the position. In that role, she served as co-chair of the Committee on Science of the National Science and Technology Council. One of her major interests includes K–12 science and mathematics education, graduate science and engineering education, and increased participation of women and minorities in science and engineering.
Dr. Colwell taught at the University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, served as president and chairman of CosmosID, Inc., and is the former president of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute. She has held many public and private advisory positions, including for the Japan Science and Technology Agency, which plays a central role in Japan’s Science and Technology Basic Plan.
Dr. Colwell holds 63 honorary degrees and has been recognized with the 2005 Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, bestowed by the emperor of Japan, and the 2006 National Medal of Science awarded by the president of the United States.
OIST Foundation x OIST:
Talent Retention & Attraction Fund
Overview
OIST is only as strong as its human capital and retaining and attracting world class talent is essential to its success. While funding from the Japanese government enables OIST to offer competitive salaries, global competition for top talent necessitates that additional capital be available to attract and retain world-class leaders for the benefit of the institution, Japan, and the world. To accomplish this, the OIST Foundation, in cooperation with OIST, is establishing a Talent Retention & Attraction Fund (Talent Fund), that will provide flexible financial resources for use in recruiting and retaining top caliber individuals at OIST..
Structure
The Talent Retention & Attraction Fund will be coordinated by the OIST Foundation in consultation with OIST. The Fund’s initial aim is to raise $100,000 annually via a group of at least 10 core funders who pledge $10,000 annually for 5 years. These core funders will be part of the OIST Associates – Leadership Circle, a special group of donors who invest substantially in the future of OIST. Donations and pledges can be made via the OIST Foundation or via OIST. The Fund also accepts contributions below $10,000 of any amount and these general donors will be acknowledged as supporters of the Talent Fund.
Note: as with all donations to the Foundation, up to 10% of donated funds may be set aside for Foundation administration.
United States
Donors with tax liability in the United States can donate to the OIST Talent Retention & Attraction Fund and receive a tax deduction for their donation. Bank transfer or donations via check are optimal. Checks can be made out to the OIST Foundation and sent to the Foundation at 1 Bridge Street, Suite 64, Irvington, NY 10533. For a bank transfer, please write to david@oistfoundation.org to obtain our account number with J.P. Morgan Chase in New York City.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Foundation, Inc. (dba OIST Foundation) is a registered non-profit organization in New York State with 501(c)(3) tax exempt status from the IRS. All donations made to the Foundation are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
A copy of the Foundation’s most recently filed financial report is available from the Charities Registry on the New York State Attorney General’s website (charitiesnys.com) or, upon request, by contacting the New York State Attorney General, Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, or us at 1 Bridge Street, Suite 64, Irvington, NY 10533. You also may obtain information on charitable organizations from the New York State Office of the Attorney General at charitiesnys.com or (212) 416-8401.
Japan
Donors in Japan can donate to the OIST Talent and Retention Fund here and noting that the donation is for this purpose.
According to Japanese income tax law, since OIST is a specified public interest promotion corporation, your donation to OIST is tax deductible.
Upon receiving your donation, OIST will send two documents: “Receipt” and “Specified Public Interest Promotion Corporation Certificate (copy).” Please retain these two documents for filing your final tax return and claiming deductions.
National Income Tax: The formula below shows the amount of your donation that can be deducted from the national income tax:
Donation amount during the fiscal year – (minus) 2,000 yen = Amount to be deducted from taxable income (up to 40% of your total income of that fiscal year)
Prefectural Income Tax (Resident Tax): If you live in Okinawa, a certain amount of your donation to OIST can be deducted from your prefectural income tax. Please see details here.
Municipal Income Tax (Resident Tax): Please check with your municipality to see if your donation to OIST is tax deductible.
Donors Outside of the United States and Japan
Donors outside of Japan and the United States can donate to the Foundation or OIST via the links above, but should consult their tax advisor regarding and potential tax deductions or implications.
Endowments
Endowment Funds at the OIST Foundation
Creating an endowment fund allows you to make an impact on OIST in perpetuity.
Preparing for the Future
Although we can’t predict how science and technology will evolve in the future, endowment funds will ensure that OIST continues to be at the forefront of global innovation and academic excellence. Endowment funds are invested for growth over the long term and distribute a small percentage of earnings (typically around 5%) each year to bridge OIST, Okinawa, Japan, and the world through:
Supporting Scientific Breakthroughs
• Funding innovative research at OIST
• Fostering strategic partnerships in the U.S. • Developing endowed professorships
Global Science Leadership
• Providing scholarship support
• Offering a dynamic campus experience
• Expanding and creating student clubs and activities
Innovation in Okinawa
• Transforming ideas into globally relevant technologies
• Making Okinawa a destination for entrepreneurs
• Creating and sustaining an innovation ecosystem in Okinawa
Women in Science
• Engaging more women as students and scholars at OIST
• Inspiring local girls’ interest in science
• Ensuring that women can thrive as scientists and engineers
Inspiring the Next Generation
• Encouraging Okinawan students to study science and technology
• Helping young people realize they can become future OIST students
• Deepening relationships with Okinawan schools, teachers, and students
Connecting the U.S. and Japan Through Science
• Bringing together leading scholars from Japan and the U.S.
• Developing research links between OIST and U.S. institutions • Connecting leaders in entrepreneurship and venture capital in the U.S. and Japan
Addressing the Climate Crisis
• Developing relevant programs, research, and projects focused on nature, the environment, and climate
• Fostering U.S.-Japan cooperation on these issues
• Fulfilling the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals that aim
to ensure a thriving and healthy planet
Contact Us to Discuss Endowment Funds
You can create an endowed fund that best meets your philanthropic goals while supporting OIST’s mission. Funds of $25,000 and more can be named for your family, in memory of a loved one, or establish your own legacy. You may establish a fund with cash or securities.
To learn more or to create your endowment fund, please contact: David Janes, Managing Director, OIST Foundation 914-296-4260 | david@oistfoundation.org
The Matsuro and Tsuruko Nakasone Fund
“Supporting OIST and Okinawa’s future gave me the opportunity to also honor my parents. I hope others will take this opportunity to support OIST and pay tribute to their loved ones or someone they respect to thank them in a visible way.”
At 16-years-old, Matsuro Nakasone went to Hawai‘i to work at a plantation to support his family in Okinawa. Tsuruko Tamanaha was born in Hawai‘i but grew up in Okinawa. After returning to Hawai‘i to work as a maid, she married Matsuro, and they had six children.
They committed to providing the best they could for their children at home and for their families back in Okinawa. Through hard work and perseverance, they built a successful small restaurant business in Honolulu and ensured that all six children went to college — something that had been out of reach for themselves. Of the six, five were in STEM fields and one in accounting.
After they passed on, their son, Bob, established the Matsuro and Tsuruko Nakasone Endowment Fund at the OIST Foundation to honor his parents’ commitment to education and their Okinawan heritage by providing support for Okinawan youth and Okinawa’s future. The Fund fosters the development of elementary and middle school students in STEM fields, with a special focus on girls through the Girls Be Ambitious initiative, and Bob hopes that it will inspire others to honor someone they highly respect or their own family legacy by endowing a similar fund.
正清浩−せいしょうこう
Seishyoukou Endowment Fund
The Fund will be utilized to support STEM outreach by OIST that is focused on underserved youth in Okinawa. Okinawa is one of the most economically disadvantaged prefectures in Japan and many youth below live below the poverty line. Through the formation of this endowment, OIST will be able to begin focusing some of its efforts on working with K-12 students who are facing challenging situations.
