Giving

The University of Maryland’s Department of Astronomy is proud to be a leader in groundbreaking research and innovative teaching, supported in part by grants and contracts from federal agencies. Yet, the strength of our community and the opportunities we can provide to our students depend increasingly on the philanthropic support of alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. Your generosity helps us open doors to discovery, inspire the next generation of scientists, and ensure our faculty can continue to push the boundaries of knowledge.

We invite you to consider supporting one of the Department of Astronomy’s priority funds highlighted below.

  • Astronomy Department General Fund - This is the Chair's fund that provides unrestricted giving to allow for flexibility to meet immediate program needs.

  • Neil Gehrels Memorial Endowment in Astrophysics - Ellen Williams, Distinguished University Professor Emerita, and the Williams-Gehrels Family established the Gehrels Endowment in memory of her late husband, astrophysicist Neil Gehrels. A pioneer in gamma-ray astronomy and longtime Chief of the Astroparticle Physics Laboratory at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Neil was renowned for advancing space-based observatories and mentoring the next generation of scientists. This endowment in astrophysics continues his commitment to educating young people with strong scientific interests, supporting student and postdoctoral research at the University of Maryland in collaboration with NASA Goddard. By fostering collaborations between UMD students, early-career researchers, and NASA scientists, the fund carries forward his legacy of discovery and mentorship.

  • Mike A’Hearn Endowed Lectureship - Ralph Pass (B.S. ’68, M.A. ’72, Ph.D. ’78, mathematics) established the Mike A’Hearn Endowed Lectureship in 2020 in memory of Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy Michael “Mike” A’Hearn (1940–2017). A’Hearn, a renowned cometary astronomer and principal investigator of NASA’s Deep Impact mission, was a brilliant scientist, inclusive leader, and inspiring mentor. 

  • Andrew S. Wilson Prize for Excellence in Research - This prize is awarded in early fall to a graduate student nearing completion of the Ph.D. dissertation who demonstrates the high standards for research and scholarship exemplified by Professor Andrew S. Wilson. Learn more about Professor Andrew S. Wilson and this award. 

Giving Options

Online - Make your gift online.

Check - Please make your check payable to the “University of Maryland College Park Foundation" or "UMCP Foundation." In the notes/for section on the check, please write "Department of Astronomy." Mail your check to:

University of Maryland
Gift Acceptance 
PO Box 49013
Baltimore, MD 21297-4913

Bequest* - Simply share this suggested wording with your professional advisors: 
I give to the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, a charitable organization (Tax ID 52-2197313) located at 4603 Calvert Road, College Park, MD 20740, [insert $ amount, percentage of residuary estate, or otherwise name gifted assets] for the Department of Astronomy [or otherwise state donor restrictions]. 

*Limited Time: Include the Department of Astronomy in your estate plan, and the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) will match a portion of your future gift today. Learn more about the Bequest Legacy Challenge.

Stock - To make a gift using stock, please contact June Falb, Senior Director of Development, at 301.405.3316 or jfalb@umd.edu.

Pledge - Pledge support by calling 301.405.7749. We will send a confirmation letter and automatically enroll you in our pledge payment reminder system.

Payroll Deduction - (For UMD employees only) Visit usmd.edu/give/ to begin automated payroll deductions.

If you would like additional information, please contact the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences' Development Office.

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents, and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details. EIN: 52-2197313