Philadelphia -- The Wistar Institute's Albert R. Taxin Brain Tumor Research Center was nationally distinguished by the announcement of a $350,000 challenge grant award from The Kresge Foundation, one of the nation's 15 largest independent, private foundations.
"The Kresge Foundation is very selective and their grant making process is one of the most competitive," explained Wistar's Director, Dr. Giovanni Rovera. "Their willingness to support the completion of the Taxin Center tells the world that it is important. To be offered this grant, we had to undergo careful scrutiny and meet The Kresge Foundation's highest standards. Their confidence is one more important affirmation of Wistar's leadership in medical research. It brings us both prestige and a tremendous responsibility."
Receipt of the grant is contingent upon Wistar's ability to raise the $917,167 balance required to complete funding of the project by January 1, 1999. To date, more than $2,667,000 has come from individuals, private philanthropic foundations and other sources toward an overall cost of $3,584,000.
"Our donors recognize the significance of the endorsement that comes with a Kresge Foundation grant, and I am confident they will respond generously to this challenge," said C. Edwin Davis, Wistar's Director of Development. "During the next few months, we will be appealing to past, current and prospective donors for their help. Commitments will be accepted in the form of one-time gifts or multi-year pledges."
Donors who contribute $3,000, $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 will receive distinguished recognition as Founding Members of the Albert R. Taxin Brain Tumor Research Center. All donors of $100 or more will be recognized in Wistar's annual report for the year in which the gift is made.
In 1997, The Kresge Foundation received 607 proposals and awarded grants to 180 organizations. "In this cycle of grant making, our Trustees were pleased to support a range of organizations reflecting almost the entire breadth of the nonprofit sector," said Marshall. "This diverse group is responding to the new challenges presented by their communities or sustaining activities that have demonstrated their effectiveness."
The Taxin Center was established in June 1994 in memory of Albert Taxin, the Philadelphia restauranteur who died in 1993 of an incurable and inoperable brain tumor.
The Wistar Institute, established in 1892, was the first independent medical research facility in the country. For more than 100 years, Wistar scientists have been making history and improving world health through their development of vaccines for diseases that include rabies, German measles, infantile gastroenteritis (rotavirus), and cytomegalovirus; discovery of molecules like interleukin-12, which are helping the immune system fight bacteria, parasites, viruses and cancer; and location of genes that contribute to the development of diseases like breast, lung and prostate cancer. Wistar is a National Cancer Institute Cancer Center.