About The Foundation

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation Mission Statement:

To support the earth sciences in the Rocky Mountain Region

Vision Statement:

The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation is a respected non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization supporting earth science through scholarships, aid to earth science teaching, and dissemination of geoscience information. Our generous donors make our shared vision possible.

Goals:

The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation supports:

• Research in the earth sciences by outstanding students in universities across the country through scholarships in support of their research.
• The teaching of earth sciences in high schools across the State of Colorado through its  Teacher of the Year and through support in class rooms and in the field.
• Earth science education through grants to museums or other educational facilities.
• Select earth science societies.
• Selected publishing efforts by earth science organizations.

History:

The Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation was established on December 31, 1975 by action of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists (RMAG). At that time, there was a recognition that a philanthropic partner to the RMAG could provide financial support for educational, charitable, and scientific activities related to or allied with the field of geology. The funds which would allow the Foundation to fulfill its purposes would be from the earnings on investments of a principle sum that would accumulate from contributions.

The assets of the Foundation come partly from reinvested earnings, but largely from more than 40 years of contributions from members of RMAG and related entities. The Trustees have the sole responsibility for determining the amount of financial support that can be given each year to approved projects. Funding for projects supported by the Foundation is in the form of scholarships, grants, and grant/loans.

The initial Trustees of the Foundation were John P. Lockridge, John W. Rold, and Robert J. Weimer. Lockridge and Weimer served for thirteen years. The membership is indebted to them and the other early trustees for guiding the Foundation through its formative years. Others who have served as Trustees include John Robinson, Matt Silverman, Charles W. Spencer, Dudley W. Bolyard, John M. Parker, James P. Rogers, David B. MacKenzie, Laura Wray, Stephen M. Strachan, Harold E. Kellogg, Tom Sperr, Robert T. Sellars, Jr., James Huck, Phil Moffitt, Stephen Sonnenberg, Hal Maccartney, and Ryan Kowalsky.