This Giving Season, Please Consider Supporting the IRP Endowment

Since 2018, the Innovation Research Program (IRP) has provided critical seed-funding for early-stage research at DRI. To date, this program has supported more than 20 research teams and several successful research programs have grown out of IRP-supported preliminary research. However, public funds to support “start-up” environmental research of this type are extremely limited.

This giving season, please join us in supporting bright minds and their best ideas by donating to the IRP Endowment, which was established earlier this year to ensure that innovative science continues for generations to come. Your gift will bring us one step closer to our goal of raising $5 million to fully fund this endowment.

Researchers in hardhats watch as a wildfire burns in the distance.

Monica Arienzo in a river looking at a water sample.

IRP Endowment funds go directly to the scientists themselves as they carry on DRI’s legacy of advancing science that matters now. With a gift to the IRP Endowment, you will be part of this legacy by ensuring that groundbreaking environmental research will continue for generations to come.

And… thanks to generous matches from the Tom and Mary Gallagher Foundation and the Bretzlaff Foundation, your gift to the IRP Endowment will have DOUBLE the impact.

Please consider helping fund critical research that fuels a better future.

Give Now

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December 12, 2024

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DRI Foundation | Innovation Research Program | Support DRI

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Legacy of Education and Community Support Lives On Through Gallifent Endowment at DRI

May 11, 2026

The DRI Foundation is honored to announce that DRI recently received a generous donation from the estate of Elizabeth “Betty” Gallifent for the Betty & John Gallifent endowment. The Gallifent Endowment provides essential unrestricted support to advance DRI strategic priorities, such as the Innovation Research Program (IRP). The IRP provides essential seed funding for early-stage research projects at DRI, allowing DRI scientists to test promising ideas and build the initial data needed to secure larger state and federal grants. We are grateful to Betty and John, as well as Betty’s family, for the Gallifent’s continued generosity to DRI. The Gallifent Endowment will provide essential support to DRI for generations to come.

With Help from Nevada Foundations and Community Partners, DRI is Bringing High-Quality, Hands-On STEM Learning to Nevada’s Schools

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This April, we are celebrating STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics – at DRI. Both the STEM Education Program and Nevada Robotics are dedicated to ensuring that Nevada educators are empowered to bring high-quality, hands-on STEM learning to their classrooms and that every Nevada student has the confidence and skills to thrive in our technology driven world. Community support plays a critical role in helping both programs fulfill their missions.

Remembering the Legacy of Sue Wagner, Long-Time DRI Supporter and Pioneering Woman in Nevada Politics

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Sue Wagner built the foundation for state support for DRI. She joined the staff of DRI in 1981 and served as Special Assistant for Government and Legislative Affairs for nine years, and ending when she was elected Lieutenant Governor. One of her major achievements at DRI was shepherding of special legislation through the U.S. Congress to establish the DRI Dandini Research Park. Sue remained active in local and state politics and continued to play a role in supporting promising scientists from DRI and beyond.