NEW YORK, NY, Oct 31, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — As the holiday season approaches, many Americans are turning their attention to end-of-the-year giving and acts of charity. Though the opportunities for philanthropy are many, and range from artistic endowments to medical research, a recent article from The Economist highlights a less conventional way to make a difference — through the financial support of scientific inquiry. The article notes that, recently, “crowdfunded” science has grown in prevalence, a trend that has won the attention — and the praise — of scientific philanthropist Jeffrey Epstein.
The article from The Economist notes that more traditional avenues for scientific funding have begun to dry up, with grant money growing increasingly difficult to come by. As such, many scientists have turned to more creative methods for funding their work — including enlisting the resources of philanthropists who care about science and discovery.
One such philanthropist is Jeffrey Epstein, who has issued a new press statement, affirming the Economist article and offering his personal endorsement of scientific giving, even in small amounts. “Philanthropy in science is a great way to generate needed publicity for important research being done in laboratories around the world,” Mr. Epstein says. He speaks from experience. In 2003, Mr. Epstein won recognition when his foundation, The Jeffrey Epstein VI Foundation, established The Program for Evolutionary Dynamics at Harvard University with a $30 million grant. The Program continues to do important work to this day.
“With relatively small contributions, one can get scientific research into the headlines,” he continues. “It also makes scientific research more accountable to the public.” Jeffrey Epstein is also a former member of the NY Academy of Science, a former board member of Rockefeller University, and a current overseer of the Mind, Brain and Behavior Committee at Harvard University.
The Economist notes that scientific philanthropy is nearly as old as science itself. As long as there have been inquisitive minds, those minds have sought the support of wealthy donors, using charitable contributions to purchase equipment or to fund expeditions to far-off places. In the age of the Internet, however, a new form of scientific philanthropy has emerged — crowdfunding. The Internet makes it easy for scientists to set up donations pages and solicit contributions from the general public; even when donors pitch in small amounts, these funds add up quickly.
The article notes that scientists from several leading universities have taken to crowdfunding their projects. Meanwhile, several online platforms have arisen to provide scientists with crowdfunding options.
Jeffrey Epstein is a money manager whose passion for science has long motivated his philanthropy. His Jeffrey Epstein IV Foundation has provided resources to numerous scientific endeavors throughout the world. Additionally, Mr. Epstein has made donations to museums, youth-related charities, and more.
ABOUT:
Jeffrey Epstein is a money manager and philanthropist whose passion is for investing in scientific inquiry and education, throughout the world. Through the work of his Jeffrey Epstein IV Foundation, he has made significant contributions to hospitals, museums, laboratories, and numerous charitable organizations. Though formally trained in finance, Epstein is equally passionate about science and technology.
SOURCE: Jeffrey Epstein IV Foundation