Support the Social Sciences
Through our innovative approaches to both research and education, the Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz is uniquely well-positioned to produce tangible benefits for our society. Yet social sciences scholarship remains chronically underfunded worldwide, creating financial barriers to the transformative work we want to pursue.
The support that donors provide for our programs creates significant positive impact on our campus, in our broader community, and around the world. With your help, we’re nurturing the next generation of forward-thinking leaders and producing transformative research that advances social and environmental impact.
Our work is made possible by the generosity of individuals like you, who believe in the power of the social sciences to drive positive change. Explore the opportunities below to find what resonates with your passions. If you need help making a contribution, have questions, or want to learn more about our newest research and programs or upcoming initiatives, don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated philanthropy team.
Philanthropy team
Johan Lode Rubens
- Title
- Executive Director of Development
- Phone
- 831-459-5870
- Campus Email
Linda Marie Hunt
- Title
- Development Administrative Manager, Library & Social Sciences
- Phone
- 831-502-7552
- Campus Email
Giving opportunities
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Environmental Studies
Your gift will support the Environmental Studies Department as it prepares students to engage in the environmental challenges facing society with an interdisciplinary curriculum that combines ecology and the social…
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Environmental Studies Research Seminar
Your gift supports the Environmental Studies Department in administering their weekly research seminar series.
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Graduate Fellowships in Environmental Studies
Your gift will support graduate fellowships in the Environmental Studies Department.
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Natural History Field Quarter (Environmental Studies): Endowment
Your gift provides long-term impact and permanent support for our immersive field course that allows students to travel across California.
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Center for Agroecology
Your gift will support the Center for Agroecology in its mission to advance agroecology and equitable food systems through experiential education, participatory research, agricultural extension, and public service.
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Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History
Your gift will support the Norris Center in providing education and research opportunities in natural history to students, staff, faculty, and our local community.
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Center for Integrated Spatial Research (CISR)
Your gift supports the center in providing advanced spatial modeling, tool development, web services, and training to on and off-campus researchers and partners.
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Annais Rittenberg Natural History Field Quarter Scholarship Endowment
Support students who embody the spirit of Annais Rittenberg to further their study of natural history and facilitate nature-based educational opportunities for others.
Donors making a difference
Breaking the cycle of poverty by supporting student success
MR Macgill and her husband Ho Nam are on a coast-to-coast philanthropic quest to alleviate poverty by strategically investing in college success for first-generation students. Those efforts led them to UC Santa Cruz’s Social Sciences Division, where they found a natural fit with their goals and have since supported the Everett Program and the Transforming Futures program.
Continuing a family legacy of social justice activism
Annette Marines was among the first donors to a crowdfunding campaign for the Dolores Huerta Research Center for the Americas. Marines’ family has long worked alongside Huerta in her social justice advocacy. Marines believes the center and its work will help Latino students feel a sense of belonging and will inspire all students to make a difference in their communities.
Investing in breakthroughs on high-impact issues
Alumnus Steve Bruce has always valued the education he got in UC Santa Cruz’s Social Sciences Division, and now, after a successful career, he enjoys giving back. Over the years, Bruce has supported innovative research in the social sciences through initiatives like the Center for Integrated Water Research and the Center for Analytical Finance.