Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Vatican Ambassador to the USA, with Thomas Golden, Board Member, and Father George Coyne, S.J., Foundation President during a VOF at the Apostolic Nunciature

Financial gifts at all levels are important to sustain the work of the foundation. In addition, the VOF relies on friends and family to share their enthusiasm for this important work, promoting the Vatican Observatory Foundation to others.

Annual Fund - Gifts made to the annual fund are allocated to the maintenance and enhancement of the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, to educational programming and to the general operation of the foundation.

Guild Membership - Benefactors who join the Guild support the Vatican Observatory Foundation with annual cash gifts of $25 or more and receive an Official Calendar of the Vatican Observatory, featuring full-color images of planets, nebulae, galaxies and other celestial wonders, plus dates of significant astronomical observances and religious holidays. Guild members also receive the VOF newsletter and invitations to educational presentations put on by Vatican Observatory scientists.

Guardians Program - Benefactors who support the Vatican Observatory Foundation with commitments of $100,000 or more are commissioned as Guardians and play a special role as advocates and co-creators in the future of the VOF. Guardians will be commissioned for the first time in October 2009 during a special insider's trip to Rome.

Endowment - Gifts designated for the endowment are invested, and a portion of the income generated from the endowment is used each year to meet identified needs.

Planned Gifts - Bequests, trusts, life insurance and other planned giving instruments are often great ways to make a lasting impact in the Vatican Observatory Foundation. For more information on the possibilities for planned gifts, please contact the Vatican Observatory Foundation office and your own financial advisor.

Lifetime Giving - The Vatican Observatory Foundation is grateful for the support of many who give generously year after year. In thanks for the steadfast support of these committed benefactors, the VOF recognizes in an annual Awards Seminar and Dinner benefactors whose lifetime gifts of $2,500 or more make this work possible.

Share the Word - Sign up for the VOF newsletter and share the link with friends, family and colleagues. You'll receive information on the latest news and events of the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

For any questions, additional information or to make a gift over the phone, please contact Brother John B. Hollywood, SJ, Assistant to the President, at (520) 795-1694.