Get to Know Us
At VIMS, we invest in the intersections - in the places where rivers meet oceans and shorelines seek the sea. We transform data into policies, students into leaders, and theories into tangible change. We find solutions to global problems, work to restore marine life, and freely share the answers we find. We are people who love the Chesapeake Bay, and the great wide world with which it intersects. Watch our video to learn more.
Meet Our Team
The Advancement Team at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is dedicated to growing meaningful connections with members of our community who are passionate about marine science research, education, and conservation. From alumni and staff to individual philanthropists and charitable organizations, your generosity makes our critical work possible. We'd love to discuss how you can get engaged with our community and make a difference for our students, scientists, and educators.
Giving Priorities
Charitable gifts empower VIMS to continue, and at times expand, our crucial work. Contributions made to our Impact fund allow us to quickly address the most pressing needs at VIMS, while there are several specific areas of important needs to which you may also choose to give. As you consider how you'd like to support our community, we invite you to learn more about VIMS and where to give.
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Impact Fund
Unrestricted gifts to the VIMS Impact Fund provide the greatest flexibility to support current needs. These funds allow leadership at VIMS to address emerging concerns and support innovative science for solutions.
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Visitor Center
Renovation of the visitor center in Watermen's Hall is the first step of our campus revitalization project. Modernizing the visitor center will allow us to dramatically expand our education and outreach efforts.
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Student Support
Graduate student support provides vital assistance for those enrolled in William & Mary's School of Marine Science at VIMS, helping ensure our students have access to the best resources available.
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Outreach
The VIMS Outreach Fund supports meaningful educational opportunities that empower individuals and communities to explore and protect marine and coastal ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
By the Numbers
Generous supporters played a key role in VIMS' success during our most recent fundraising campaign, For the Bold, implemented in coordination with William & Mary.
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$ 26.5 millionRaised for VIMS
Thanks to thousands of generous donors, VIMS had unprecedented success and far surpassed our original goal of $15 million.
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6,107Total Campaign Supporters
We're grateful to have received contributions from friends, alumni, faculty, staff, corporations and foundations.
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22New Endowed Graduate Fellowships
Private support enables VIMS to recruit the highest caliber students. During the campaign, supporters committed to endow 22 new graduate fellowships.
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500,000Ichthyology Specimens
The Nunnally Ichthyology Collection's endowment reached $1 million during the campaign.
Ways to Give
Contributing to VIMS and the School of Marine Science is easy, with multiple ways to donate. However you choose to give, and whatever amount, you'll make an essential difference in helping us better understand and protect our beloved waterways and train the next generation of scientists, educators, and conservationists.
Giving Societies
Supporters who make significant gifts of $1,000 or more in a fiscal year are honored with induction into select VIMS giving societies. Our most prestigious giving society is the Pathfinders, with members whose lifetime giving reaches or exceeds $100,000.
Recent Giving News
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Marine Life Day breaks records, inspires hundreds at Eastern Shore Lab: Community event showcases the wonders of marine science, drawing over 500 visitors
ESL researchers, students and volunteers introduced a record number of Marine Life Day attendees to a broad spectrum of marine science experiences. -
Endowment fund supports unique internship for Eastern Shore students
The Bonnie Sue Internship Program offers immersive, hands-on summer research opportunities exclusively to local students from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. -
“I’ve learned a bunch”: Summer camps provide hands-on education for young students
VIMS and W&M's Batten School welcomed rising third through eighth graders for week-long programs that enable students to learn about the Chesapeake Bay, coastal ecosystems and environmental stewardship. -
Major contributors honored at annual Pathfinders ceremony
This annual event acknowledges the contributions of some of the most generous and consistent supporters of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
VIMS Foundation Board
The VIMS Foundation provides expert advice and assistance, promotes philanthropy and stewards philanthropic resources. Members of the Board act as allies and ambassadors to position VIMS as the preeminent leader in coastal and estuarine science and education for Virginia and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
With so many methods of giving, and so many important areas within VIMS worthy of funding, we understand if you have some questions. Explore our FAQ page to better understand how you can make a difference for VIMS and the causes about which you care most.
Contact Us
VIMS Office of Advancement
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1346 Gloucester Point, VA 23062
Contact Us
- Email: susan@vims.edu
- Phone: 804-684-7846