My st (inky) omaha factor is ebbing low today in Hollywood, so, for inspiration here’s some people doing inspiring stuff in the world. I dig it. They’re total celebrities leading with vision.
We believe whenever the very best scientists work together as a team, supported by dedicated leaders, advanced technology and uninterrupted funding, great discoveries will happen.–Jim & Virginia Stowers
More than 99% of our wealth will go to philanthropy during our lifetime or at death. We have already started our giving. Our children have already been provided for.
Virginia and I wanted to give back something more valuable than money to the millions of people who made our success possible with American Century Investments. We wanted to give people “Hope for Life”- Hope for a better life. Our vision is to make a significant contribution to humanity through medical research by expanding our understanding of the secrets of life and by improving life’s quality through innovative approaches to the causes, treatment and prevention of diseases.
In 1994 we began by creating the Stowers Institute for Medical Research to pursue a very distinctive approach to basic science. It took six years to plan and develop the world-class campus and its laboratories in Kansas City, Missouri. The doors finally opened in November 2000.
Today, the Institute is already recognized as one of the best basic biological research organizations in the world.
The Institute focuses on outstanding science.
[Photo caption - Jim and Virginia Stowers, founders of the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, were awarded William F. Yates Medallions by William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. last week. Photo courtesy of The Stowers Institute]
Many of the scientists have been acknowledged both nationally and globally for their individual excellence.
The scientists are not given tenure – rather they are given term appointments that are renewable based on research excellence and productivity.
The Institute’s Scientific Advisory Board composed of seven internationally recognized scientists. It is extremely important to note that this independent board must unanimously determine which investigators the Institute can accept and which it can retain.
The research scientists enjoy the benefits of a world-class campus and state-of-the-art Technology Centers, both of which enable them to make discoveries at an unprecedented rate. Our scientists have given all their intellectual property to the Institute so that they can receive 50% of the profits once it is commercialized.
Other features which are extremely important
Our scientific effort is made possible by the proceeds the Institute receives from the Hope for Life Endowment; which is truly the lifeblood of the Institute.
When you make a gift to the Stowers Institute, the experience is radically different from giving to other worthwhile causes. Why is it different?
• Your money is not immediately spent. All proceeds are added directly to the “Hope for Life Endowment” of the Institute.
• You will become personally involved in the long-term effort, because you are issued “Hope Shares.”
Each year at least 3 ½% of that dynamic long-term endowment will be spent for scientific research. The endowment is invested for long-term appreciation and, over time, should earn more than the 3 ½% that is paid out for scientific research each year. This is endowment-based research.
The Institute issues you Hope Shares to indicate your degree of investment in the endowment for uninterrupted scientific research.
The minimum initial Hope Share investment is $1,000.
The Hope Shares are registered in your name, while the value remains with the endowment of the Institute. The value of your shares fluctuates along with the value of the endowment.
As an owner of Hope Shares, you will:
• Become personally involved in the long-term effort to provide “Hope for Life” – Hope for a better life for everyone.
• Be remembered forever for your gift to research, because your gift keeps on giving each year.
• Receive regular Stowers Reports so that you can follow our progress in medical research.
• Receive your “Hope Share Statement,” informing you:
* The amount you invested during the year.
* Your total investment.
* The present value of your “Hope Shares”
* The amount you are contributing to scientific research this year.
We believe whenever the very best scientists work together as a team, supported by dedicated leaders, advanced technology and uninterrupted funding, great discoveries will happen.
[Omaha = Of abundance in Te Reo Rangatira - The Language of Chiefs of Aotearoa New Zealand]
~Posted by Horiwood. Com, Hollywood California USA. 3.6.11 as cited on The Giving Pledge website~
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