The goal of the Friends of The Tom Ridge Center group is to have a minimum of $3 million in financial commitments. These commitments will have a three to five year fulfillment period.

Possible Uses of Interest Earned from Friends of the Tom Ridge Center Endowment:

• Provide matching funds for federal, state, and other grants.
• Develop an integrated environmental curriculum that will utilize the strength of all the center's partners.
• Provide learning materials for the new curriculum not covered by DCNR.
• Help to fund teacher workshops.
• Help to fund an annual science symposium.
• Help produce a short large-screen movie dealing with Presque Isle and the Great Lakes.
• Contract for additional large-format film titles.
• Promote the arts at Presque Isle.
• Help to pay for changeable or rotating exhibits.
• Help to provide honorariums, tuition, lodging for students.
• Purchase research equipment.
• Provide funding to work with other regional assets to enhance educational and tourism opportunities.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but merely a suggestion of possible uses for the earnings of this fund.

You can become a Friend of The Tom Ridge Environmental Center any number of ways, depending on which aspect of the Center interests you most. Naming opportunities are available to publicly recognize the generosity of major donors. Your gift will have positive tax advantages for you - and a significant impact on the future success of The Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

Making a Donation:

• Learn about giving opportunities
• Make a gift to the Friends of The Tom Ridge Center