FUNDSY, Inc., is the first successful charity auction that impacts the community of Boise and has raised more than $8.2 million for various capital campaigns.
FUNDSY, Inc. has announced that The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey is the beneficiary of the 2019/20 grant cycle.
FUNDSY conducted an extensive search, carefully reviewing all 20 applications received during the open process. Five finalists, including Boise Rock School, Bogus Basin, Idaho Botanical Garden, Family Advocates, and the World Center for Birds of Prey presented to the FUNDSY Board of Directors.
Fundraising now begins for World Center for Birds of Prey to kick start the capital improvement campaign of their new Global Raptor Education Center. Upon completion, the Education Center will expand their student visit capabilities from 5,000 annually to over 10,000 student visits annually. Since opening their doors in 1994, they have hosted nearly 1 million visitors, including 500,000 students on grant-funded field trips and family visits. The fundraising cycle is primarily supported by a biennial charitable FUNDSY Gala, scheduled for May 2, 2020 a new themed social event at JUMP on May 16, 2019 as well as a golf tournament May 17, 2019. For tickets and information, visit FUNDSY.org.
“Through our partnership with FUNDSY we will double our capacity to offer STEM-based global field trip experiences to Treasure Valley students centered on ecosystem health, coexistence, and conservation in action. The World Center for Birds of Prey is incredibly honored to be FUNDSY’s 2019/20 beneficiary amongst an esteemed list of finalists.” – Richard T. Watson, Ph.D., President and CEO of The Peregrine Fund.
The World Center for Birds of Prey is the heartbeat of The Peregrine Fund’s education program. Situated in Boise, ID, one of the most densely populated raptor regions in the world, it is an international destination for 50,000+ people a year. Visitors experience raptors up close and personally through live, daily raptor demonstrations and interactions with staff, volunteers, and exhibits that create a deeper understanding of these incredible birds and our role in conserving them for future generations. The Center provides free school tours for more than 5,000 students annually engaging students in STEM learning that focuses on the scientific method through the lens of The Peregrine Fund’s global conservation projects.
“Fundsy, is honored and excited about collaborating with The World Center for Birds of Prey to promote their mission in education and conservation. Fundsy’ s Board of Director’s are committed to what we hope will be the most successful Fundsy capital campaign yet. Fundsy’s legacy has been built on the credibility we bring to the community of Boise and plan to execute on that commitment with the World Center.” – Kyle Bellnap, President, Fundsy, Inc.
Most recently, in June 2018 FUNDSY presented TRICA, the Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Arts, with a $275,000 gift as a result of the 2017/18 fundraising cycle. TRICA is using the funds to complete an extensive renovation on their historic headquarters, built in 1904.
For more information about FUNDSY, please see FUNDSY.org, email info@FUNDSY.org or call 208-789-6952 Follow FUNDSY at facebook.com/fundsygives.
For more information, contact:
Erin Katzner
Director of Global Engagement
Main Phone: 208-362-3716
Direct Phone: 208-362-8277
About FUNDSY:
FUNDSY, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1967 to raise funds for charitable and community capital improvement projects. The organization began when community leaders came together to raise money for capital improvements at the downtown Boise YMCA (“Funds Serving the Y” became “FUNDSY”). After several years of successful auctions, founders decided to accept proposals from nonprofits and choose beneficiaries on alternate years.
Funds for capital improvements are more difficult for charities to secure (grants and corporate giving are usually restricted to program support), so Fundsy founder’s, Ed Cleary, Governor Bob Smylie, Bob Beatty and several other philanthropists and community leaders decided FUNDSY would fill the important need for “brick and mortar” growth of our community’s arts, education, civic and social service nonprofit organizations.
Board of Directors:
Kyle Bellnap – President
Carolyn Holly – Vice President
Blake Watanabe – Treasurer
Jessa Jahn – Secretary
Monica Walker – Gala Chair
Daniel Barker
Ysabel Bilbao
Keith Bushardt
Erin Erkins
Joe Huarte
Sarah Reed
Troy Ladish
Paula McCurry
Duane Morris
Tommy Murata
Kaitlyn Rebholtz
Lisa Shannahan
Meredith Stead
Christina Ludwig
