In an annual fundraising campaign for ARCS Foundation, two area chapters received top grants for generating the most donations and the most individual participation.   

ARCS Atlanta Chapter was the dollar amount champion, raising the most funds for ARCS National during the 2020-2021 Chapter Challenge. “ARCS National enhances the visibility and mission of all ARCS chapters. The Atlanta Chapter is proud to support ARCS National as it shines a spotlight on scientific research and innovation,” ARCS Atlanta Chapter President Leslie Petter said.

ARCS Atlanta Chapter President Leslie Petter
(Courtesy: ARCS Atlanta Chapter)

The chapter will receive a $2,500 Scholar Award Champion grant to be used for future Scholar awards.

ARCS Phoenix Chapter was recognized by ARCS National for having the largest number of individual donors participate in the competition. The chapter will also receive a $2,500 Scholar Award Participation Grant to be used for their Scholar awards program. "The Phoenix Chapter is thrilled to be the winner of the Chapter Challenge Scholar Award Participation grant. I am grateful to our members and donors who came through for us during a very tough year,” ARCS Phoenix President Jill Bray stated. “This year we were able to present 46 scholars with an ARCS award, which was a record for our chapter. I hope we can top that next year. The Chapter Challenge funds will give us a great start."

ARCS Phoenix Chapter President Jill Bray
(Courtesy: ARCS Phoenix Chapter)

It was a historic year for ARCS Foundation National and the Chapter Challenge fundraiser. According to ARCS National Treasurer Christine Hawes, 100 percent of members on ARCS National Board and ARCS Philanthropy Committee donated to the cause. Hawes also said the total amount raised during the 2020-2021 Chapter Challenge surpassed last year’s donations.

According to Hawes, the ARCS Chapters to make it into the top five spots in each category are:

Chapter Champion Grant: (Highest Dollar Amount)

1. Atlanta
2. Phoenix
3. Metro Washington
4. Pittsburgh
5. Northern California

Chapter Participation Grant: (Highest Percentage of Individual Donors to Chapter Membership)

1. Phoenix
2. Atlanta
3. Metro Washington
4. Los Angeles
5. Illinois

“Our members really stepped up and supported National during this year’s challenge,” Andrea Thoreson, ARCS VP of Philanthropy said. “Thank you to all who gave and supported our mission of scientific advancement during this season.”

ARCS Phoenix Chapter's annual Scholar Awards Dinner.
(Courtesy: ARCS Phoenix Chapter)

Donations to ARCS National are used to elevate the visibility of scholars and their work. They also help promote ARCS brand and national visibility through social media, press releases, and a monthly newsletter.

ARCS National supports fifteen chapters across the US by helping them meet their development goals, hold fundraisers, and continue their education through leadership training and webinars.

To learn more about ARCS and discover ways to donate, visit the website.