Donors Fund Endowment that Transforms Big Ideas into Groundbreaking Environmental Solutions and Offer a Dollar-for-Dollar Match up to $2 million

In 2018, the Innovation Research Program (IRP) fund was established with donor support to provide critical financial resources that allow and encourage DRI faculty, students, and staff to test and pursue their very best ideas.

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

Researcher in the lab wearing gloves and using equipment.

Earlier this year, thanks to generous matching commitments from the Tom and Mary Gallagher Foundation and the Bretzlaff Foundation, DRI established the IRP Endowment, ensuring funding in perpetuity. To maximize the impact of the IRP Endowment, the Gallagher Foundation and Bretzlaff Foundation have made their commitments a dollar for dollar match up to $2 million with a goal of raising a $5 million endowment.

Over the past six years, the $750,000 awarded to DRI faculty in IRP funding has resulted in over $20 million in additional funding secured – a very good return on investment. And over twenty research teams have been supported on their quest to find impactful environmental solutions.

Thank you to the Tom and Mary Gallagher Foundation and the Bretzlaff Foundation for their continued support of Science That Matters Now.

If you would like learn more and pledge your support to fund critical research that fuels a better future, contact Kristin Burgarello, Director of Advancement, at 775-673-7386 or Kristin.Burgarello@dri.edu.



August 20, 2024



Subscribe via RSS



DRI Foundation | Innovation Research Program

← Prev: DRI Donors Value Hard Work, Integrity, and Service to Their Community by Establishing an Endowment Nell J. Redfield Foundation Supports Hands-On Computer Science, Math, and Literacy Classroom Lessons Through DRI’s Nevada Robotics →

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

Apr 14, 2026

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

Mar 18, 2026

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.

Take Charge of Your Estate: DRI Foundation Partners with Community Foundation for 7-Week Series

Mar 11, 2026

Interested in learning more about estate planning and want to take charge of your estate matters? Sign up for the Family Estate Planning Series, presented by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada and PBS Reno! The free, in-person 7-week Spring Family Estate Planning Series will take place on Wednesdays, March 18 – April 29, 2026. Each week will feature subject-matter experts as guest speakers and cover the fundamentals of estate planning.