(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — Idaho National Laboratory and the newly established Idaho National Laboratory Foundation are pleased to announce a partnership that will complement the lab’s mission through enhanced community connections that can only be leveraged through an independent, nonprofit organization. The foundation, which operates separately from INL, is designed to simplify ways to donate to INL programs, encourage careers in science and technology, support energy and national security research, and foster commercialization of INL innovations through regional entrepreneurship.
“The foundation’s launch is the perfect way to cap the year’s celebration of our 75th anniversary,” said INL Director John Wagner. “The future is now open to possibilities that deepen the laboratory’s impact by providing new and untapped resources to support the lab’s science and research solving the nation’s energy and security challenges, stimulate economic development, and cultivate community collaborations.”
“It’s gratifying to bring the foundation to life in Idaho,” said Linda Montgomery, chair of the INL Foundation Board. “Its model has proven effective in creating a platform that bridges crucial research funding gaps with nontraditional funding to benefit innovation, workforce training and education, and communities within the region. The lab’s success equals community success.”
Funding through the foundation will help the lab maintain its leadership position within industry by supporting programs such as nuclear energy research, agricultural biomass conversion to energy and cybersecurity technologies. It will also support technology transfer initiatives by funding programs that help the lab test and streamline technologies to bring them to market.
The foundation provides several key benefits for those looking to support and partner with INL:
Charitable giving opportunities: Individuals and businesses can make charitable, tax-deductible donations to enhance INL’s mission, including investments in STEM education, economic development and technology transfer.
Simplified partnering: The foundation streamlines the process of partnering with INL through simplified donor agreements, enhanced local project oversight and other mechanisms that INL cannot offer directly. This approach reduces project risk and provides liability protection for partners who might be unable to accept mandatory terms for government contract mechanisms.
Donations for directed research: Donations of any size can be made and earmarked for specific goals or projects, ensuring that contributions align with donor intentions.
Enhanced INL community engagement: The foundation serves as a connector for individuals who have or have had an affiliation with INL, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
Additional benefits: The foundation opens new avenues to enhance INL’s mission including hosting prize competitions, managing event sponsorships, performing work for INL, establishing industry-funded postdoctoral programs and managing technology incubators.
For more information, visit the INL Foundation website.
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Joelyn Hansen, 208-201-7650, [email protected]
Sarah Neumann, 208-520-1651, [email protected]
