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Your support matters
Research provides immeasurable value to society — from lifesaving medical treatments to clean energy technologies to more effective teaching methods. But the process of creating that value — from advanced equipment to the specialized training of the dedicated experts carrying it out — requires substantial resources. Philanthropy plays a vital role in funding this work.
We are making a difference
ASU is committed to advancing research and discovery of public value and assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities it serves. Our researchers are taking on the most daunting challenges that humans and our planet face. The rapid growth of our research enterprise is a testament to our success in creating solutions and bringing them to market.
Featured donor impact
Beus gift powers up revolutionary science instrument
In 2019, Leo and Annette Beus invested $10 million at ASU to advance the world’s first compact X-ray free electron laser (CXFEL) and revolutionize applications in medicine, renewable energy, materials science and more. Only five XFELs exist in the world today. Scientists face long wait times to access these multi-billion-dollar, miles-long instruments. The CXFEL will enable universities, hospitals and other organizations to develop their own powerful tools at a fraction of the cost and size.
With help from the Beus gift, the project’s first phase — the compact X-ray light source, a powerful tool in its own right — generated its first X-rays in February 2023. This progress enabled ASU to successfully win $90.8 million from the National Science Foundation to complete the final stages of the CXFEL. From the very beginning, the CXFEL project has also provided opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to gain invaluable hands-on learning experiences.
A future in which all life on Earth can thrive
In 2004, Julie Ann Wrigley joined ASU President Michael M. Crow at a gathering of some of the world’s leading sustainability scientists, where the vision for a transdisciplinary sustainability institute emerged. Wrigley, a lifelong advocate for protecting our natural environments, believed that ASU was the right place to make the vision a reality.
That same year, Wrigley made a gift to establish the Global Institute of Sustainability at ASU, dedicated to a field that was virtually unknown at the time. The nation’s first School of Sustainability, opened in 2007, is a direct result of her commitment and philanthropy.
Through the Julie A. Wrigley Foundation, Wrigley has invested more than $50 million in ASU to date. Without these contributions, ASU would not have been able to become the global leader in sustainability it is today. In recognition of Wrigley’s contributions — which include considerable time, energy and passion — ASU established the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory in 2020. The laboratory is dedicated to reshaping our relationship with the planet so that all life on Earth can thrive.
Small gifts make a big impact
The collective power of small gifts is making a significant difference at ASU. In fiscal year 2024, 91% of donations to the university were under $500, and 80% were under $100. These gifts totaled over $5 million, which is used to fund student scholarships and research opportunities, tutoring, emergency support, research equipment and supplies, and much more.
Small gifts support a wide range of research projects in areas such as:
- Cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Archaeology and anthropology.
- Hearing loss and auditory disorders.
- Animal conservation.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Plastic pollution.
Invest in research that matters to you
Support planetary health
Give to the world’s first laboratory holistically dedicated to the health of our planet, the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory.
Build humankind’s future in space
Through the Interplanetary Initiative, advance society through space exploration.
Accelerate entrepreneurship
By giving to the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, you bolster entrepreneurs at ASU and in the greater community at every stage.
Improve health and protect lives
A gift to the Biodesign Institute is an investment in better health outcomes and a more sustainable world.
Support character-driven leadership
The McCain Institute at Arizona State University champions character-driven leadership based on security, economic opportunity, freedom and human dignity worldwide.
Address global security challenges
The Global Security Initiative advances transformative science and technology to meet the needs of defense and intelligence communities.
Advance the humanities
Help the Humanities Institute in their exploration of social and scientific issues through historical, philosophical and creative perspectives.
ASU has built the infrastructure to lead a revolution in sustainability and conservation that will benefit planetary health in ways we can’t even imagine. Today, ASU is better positioned than ever before to work with public and private partners on regional and global efforts — so the planet and all its inhabitants can thrive. We are humbled to be associated with the important work ASU is doing to inspire the next generation of leaders who will solve some of our planet’s biggest challenges.
Rob WaltonCo-founder of the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation
Philanthropy news
Dynamic data duo advances health research
ASU, Valleywise Health mine untapped data resources to improve health care in Arizona
ASU English department inaugurates student research initiatives
The Research Internship Awards program pairs students who have a germ of a research idea with faculty experts on that topic.
ASU alum, whose brother-in-law died of West Nile virus, contributes to ASU insectary
The laboratory was named in Alex Eugene Elefant’s honor at a dedication event on his birthday, July 29