Fundraising & Donations

 

The Institute for Labor Studies & Research hosts a variety of events throughout the year to generate funds to support the wide variety of programs and services that are offered to more than 8,000 working Rhode Islanders each year.

 

Edward J. McElroy Golf Tournament

In late summer, this annual event, which began in 1994, is held to raise scholarship funds to assist students who are financially unable to pay fully for the cost of attending one of our many programs. Scholarship funds are used to support tuition costs as well as other instructional costs for students in need. Registration materials for the golf tournament are available beginning in early June. The event is scheduled to take place in August.  Watch for upcoming event registration details on our website soon. Sponsorships are solicited simultaneously throughout the summer months.

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Memorial Donations

The Institute routinely receives and accepts contributions in memory of loved ones whose lives have in some way been connected to the labor movement and to the work of the Institute.  These donations are recognized in various forms, including scholarships and program support.

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Annual ILSR Pledge and Appeal Campaign

Our annual appeal and pledge campaign solicits individuals, union locals, councils, federations, and associations within the organized labor community. Between January and March, the Institute conducts this effort to support its programs and related administrative expenses.

 

The 2014 annual Pledge and Appeal Campaign for the Institute for Labor Studies & Research, “BUILDING FUTURES, CHANGING LIVES will be conducted during the first quarter of this calendar year. More than $70,000 was raised last year to support programs at the Institute. The ILSR is deeply grateful for the support  from business and industry, as well as the solidarity of organized labor expressed through last year’s campaign.

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Annual Awards Dinner

This event, which takes place in mid-May, is the highlight of our year. It provides the opportunity to showcase the graduates from our programs, and to present various awards to meritorious individuals. The Chuck Schwartz Memorial Scholarship, in the amount of $1000.00, is awarded annually to two students pursuing a degree in labor studies in an accredited program.  Scholarship awardees winners have pursued studies at the University of Rhode Island, and at Rhode Island College.  Scholarship awardees are selected by faculty at the university or college.

Recognition of the Institutes’ program graduates, as well as awards which recognize outstanding service to workers and their families are presented at this event. Included in these awards are graduates of work-site education and training programs; GED and ESL students; Leadership for a Future program graduates; and Eagle Award winners.

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United Way/State Employees Charitable Appeal/Coordinated Federal Campaign

Beginning in the fall and continuing through the winter, the Institute engages in a series of fundraising activities in cooperation with various groups and agencies. As an organization listed in the United Way of Rhode Island directory (#3830), we seek the support of various worker/employee organizations during the annual UWRI campaign from September through November. The SECA and CFC are incorporated into this fundraising effort which supports our general operational and administrative costs.