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International Genetically Engineered Machine (Old Website)

iGEM Foundation

The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of synthetic biology, education and competition, and the development of an open community and collaboration.




WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION (Jan 31, 2022):

This is our old website. As iGEM enters its 20th year, we are transitioning from our old Mediawiki infrastructure to new modern software. We expect to complete the migration to our new websites in March 2022:


iGEM (igem.org) ; Competition (competition.igem.org) ; Projects (projects.igem.org) ; Community (community.igem.org) ; Technology (technology.igem.org) ; Responsibility (responsibility.igem.org) ; Startups (startups.igem.org) ; Leagues (leagues.igem.org) ; Jamboree (jamboree.igem.org)

Donate

Why support iGEM?

As a friend or participant of our main program, the iGEM Competition, you may have seen how amazing iGEM has become in the last 15 years. Now we need your help. The competition is only just the beginning, serving as a launchpad for the young synthetic biologists who will go on to transform the industry. It’s now clear that iGEM is more than just the competition…

iGEM
… builds a culture of responsibility, ethics, safety and security
… encourages true innovation by providing a venue to test ideas
… connects future and current leaders
… is the heart of synthetic biology

iGEM has been empowering young people, giving them a platform to lead their own projects, and showing students that they can make a difference since 2003. Now we want to do more to support the 40,000 iGEMers around the world, and we need your help.

"iGEM introduces young students, faculty, and advisors to the field. It shows them the excitement and challenges, the opportunities and risks they will face in the future. iGEM is not just what the students did this summer. It is the beginning of what they will do for the rest of their lives."
~ Randy Rettberg, President, iGEM Foundation

Why does iGEM need donations?

iGEM is unique in many ways, including our financial structure. 90% of iGEM’s funding comes from the iGEM Competition. While that allows us to run the competition, it doesn’t support expansion, new programs, or exploration of more ambitious projects.

The iGEM community is big, but iGEM Headquarters is very small -- just 10 people. We are asking for your support by calling on you to make a donation of whatever amount you can contribute. Your tax-deductible* gift of $25, $100, or any amount will have a significant impact on making iGEM better. With plans for the next iGEM season underway, your donation will ensure that iGEM can continue to serve as the foundation for the future of synthetic biology.

How will my donation be used?

Your donation will support projects like:

  • The iGEM Ambassador Program - appointing iGEMers to represent iGEM and act as the linking force to develop the synthetic biology "ecosystems" in their regions
  • The iGEM Delegate Program - bringing iGEMers to policy meetings to shape international discourse about synthetic biology
  • International expansion of iGEM - giving iGEM a truly international presence to support our community as it grows around the world
  • The “Where Are They Now?” Initiative - finding and celebrating the achievements of iGEMers since their participation in the competition
  • Visibility Initiative - growing iGEM’s global presence to ultimately help teams secure funding and support

A note to our recent students:

If you are a recent graduate of iGEM, we understand that you may not be far enough in your career to give back to iGEM. You can contribute in other ways by helping future teams at your school, volunteering for iGEM, or helping others in the synthetic biology community. We love all of our iGEMers!

How can I donate?

Donate online

We use third parties Network for Good and DonorBox to process online donations and accept credit card (USD and international currencies), ACH (USD), Apple Pay, and PayPal.

Click to donate via:

Donate by mail

If you wish to donate by check, please make check payable to "iGEM Foundation" and mail to:

iGEM Foundation
c/o Meagan Lizarazo
45 Prospect Street
Cambridge, MA
02139

Donate stock

iGEM Foundation also accepts stock donations. If you wish to donate stock, please contact us for details: hq AT igem DOT org

Thank you for supporting the future of synthetic biology!

iGEM Financials

*iGEM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity and donations to iGEM Foundation are tax deductible to the extent provided by current IRS tax laws and regulations. Donations from persons or entities located outside the United States may not be eligible for tax deductions in the United States and elsewhere; in such cases, donors should seek local tax advice.

iGEM Foundation does not seek donations from persons or entities located in any jurisdiction that prohibits or restricts fundraising activities by international charities such as iGEM Foundation or applies gift taxes on donations made to such international charities.