Participation and support for the foundation occurs in several ways; Patreon, GoFundMe, and Direct Donation. Information about each is below.
Patreon
Patreon is a donor-based platform where subscribers pay a monthly fee for tiered access. The vast majority of funds raised on this platform are expected to go to activities that directly support our mission.
Member level ($1/month) – access to most photography from our environmental activities and from our obsevatory (yes, we have an actual telescope observatory in Troy, AL). These are high resolution images and suitable for framing or use on computer desktops or whatever. This also gives you membership in the foundation, periodic messages from us, blog updates, and a few special things from time to time.
Educator level ($5/month) – access to the above, as well as most any downloadable packages we upload to Patreon. If you are a teacher or parent, this is the minimum you would need to connect to the our libraries of educational material, activity outlines, etc.
Supporter level ($20/month) – Access to the above, plus a few tangible goodies from time to time when we can and funds permit. This would be for those who support us and help us do more of what we do.
Donor level ($100/month or more) – Patrons at this level would get everything above, as well as regular updates from us, invitations to participate in some of our field activities, sponsorship recognition on the website, and much more. Patrons at this tier can also expect to have a bit more of a voice and will likely receive regular direct communication from us.
To visit us on Patreon, watch this page.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe is a project-focused donation platform where people can donate to specific projects. From time to time, we will use this platform to secure funding for particular projects. This differs from Patreon in that, once the project is funded, that particular GoFundMe project is closed. At the moment, we are planning a project to secure and install a dome over our astrograph at the observatory, which should be online at GoFundMe by summer 2024. We are also considering separate GoFundMe projects to setup our initial office space, secure some administrative systems, and possibly contract some development assistance to create or connect to downloadable resources for educators. Watch this page for more information.
Direct Donation
Of course, we welcome direct donations and, as we are a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax deductible. Please make all checks payable to “The Grace Road Foundation” and send to:
The Grace Road Foundation
C/O Dr. Rodger Morrison, Director
405 Grace Road
Troy, AL 36081