Vandal Giving Day 2025

The U of I College of Natural Resources is one of the best in the country. We have a long tradition of excellence — training leaders and producing cutting-edge research for more than 100 years. We continue to get better every year thanks in no small part to our supporters. Your contribution gives students more opportunities to conduct research alongside award-winning faculty, learn in some of the world’s best outdoor classrooms and gain the practical experience they need to launch their careers. Please help the departments that serve students eager to be a part of this unique and important learning environment.

CNR Dean's Excellence Fund

The College of Natural Resources (CNR) Dean’s Excellence Fund provides vital support for the Dean’s key initiatives and strategic goals, ensuring continued excellence in education, research, and outreach. Contributions to this fund enhance college-wide programs and events that foster community and recognition, such as the CNR Annual Awards Banquet, which honors outstanding students, faculty, and alumni, and the Welcome BBQ, which brings together new and returning students to build connections within the CNR family. By supporting the Dean’s Excellence Fund, donors help sustain meaningful opportunities that enrich the student experience and strengthen the college’s impact.

Forest, Rangeland and Fire Science Department Fund

This fund supports student experiences and activities, including registration and travel to professional conferences such as the Society for Rangeland Management Annual Meeting, Society of American Foresters National Convention and Oregon Logging Conference. It also supports student club activities focused on service, including those by our Student Association for Fire Ecology Club. Additionally, these funds have been used to support faculty research by helping to cost-share research equipment and supplies, such as Assistant Professor Lili Cai’s Mass Loss Cone, a device that determines the mass loss rate and ignitability of materials including wood and wood composites. 

Fish and Wildlife Sciences Department Fund

Gifts to this fund support a variety of undergraduate- and graduate-student-focused activities including internships and research opportunities, club activities and travel, student attendance at professional meetings and seminar speakers. 

CNR Dean's Excellence Fund

This endowment, established by J.R. and Jeanne King, supports student scholarships, research or outreach funds, emergency funds, field trips, student organizations, travel funds and other student needs at the College of Natural Resources.

Environmental Science Program Fund

Gifts to this fund support a variety of undergraduate- and graduate-student-focused activities in the university-wide Environmental Science Program, including undergraduate internships and research opportunities, club activities and travel, student attendance at professional meetings and seminar speakers.