Department of Astronomy
Department of Astronomy

Support

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Department of Astronomy at UVA! Your support helps our mission to provide the highest standard of research, education or public outreach.

Unrestricted Gifts to the Department of Astronomy

You may make an unrestricted gift to the Department of Astronomy to support our research and education mission. By visiting the link below, select "Astronomy Department Annual Fund"

Make an Unrestricted Gift

Public Outreach Programs

You can support the Public Outreach mission of the Department in the following areas:

  • Friends of McCormick Observatory Program
    • The Friends of McCormick Observatory is a non-profit membership organization to promote and support the education and public outreach activities of the Department of Astronomy.

    • Members of the Friends of McCormick receive benefits depending on their membership level.

      Learn More about Joining

  • Dark Skies, Bright Kids (DSBK)

    • DSBK is a volunteer-run science outreach group serving elementary schools across Virginia. DSBK is particularly dedicated to enhancing science education for elementary school students at underserved schools in rural Virginia.

      Donate to DSBK

  • Heidi Winter Endowment Fund for Education and Public Outreach Programs of the McCormick Observatory
    • The income earned by this endowment will provide a "permanent source of support for the exceptional educational programs of the McCormick Observatory, will enable the Observatory to expand its educational and outreach programs, and will ensure that the Observatory remains a resource for students and the public for years to come."
    • This fund was created through the efforts of the friends and colleagues of Heidi Winter at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Department of Astronomy.

    • Heidi Winter was an executive secretary at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and an active member of the Charlottesville Astronomical Society. She also loved fine art and poetry and was an avid supporter of local artists and musicians. She passed away in 2012. She is remembered as a warm, caring, and enthusiastic supporter of astronomy and the arts in Charlottesville and beyond.

      Donate to the Heidi Winter Fund

    • If you would prefer to send a check, rather than use a credit card on on-line, please make the check out to the Heidi Winter Endowment and mail it to:

      The College Foundation
      PO Box 400801
      Charlottesville, VA 22904-4801
       

Support our Department Student Clubs

The Department of Astronomy provides administrative support to several student Contracted Independent Organizations (CIOs). A SIO is a student group in official relationship with the University. CIOs are not affiliated with the University or any of its departments and are liable for themselves. 

  • Astronomy Club
  • Pulsar Club
  • Occultation Club
  • NSBP at UVA

Learn more about Department Clubs