The Audio Engineering Society has proven not to be immune to the havoc the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking across the globe and is now seeking the industry’s help through a $500,000 fundraising campaign “to ensure the Society’s continued operation through the crisis.” [related]
The goal of the initiative is to raise $500,000 by June 1.
In an appeal to AES stakeholders, president Agnieszka Roginska acknowledged that many members, and many among the Society’s manufacturer and service provider partners, are facing their own challenges in this time of global upheaval.
“Others,” said Roginska in her letter, “may be in a more stable position and able to once again contribute to the Society. If it is within your ability, may we ask that you make a financial contribution to help see your AES through these unprecedented times?”
Since the launch of the Audio Engineering Society campaign, numerous individuals have renewed their memberships, choosing in some cases to extend their membership by several years as an investment in the Society and their personal future in the industry.
Campaign-specific contributions ranging from $5 to $4,500 have been made, totaling more than $23,000.
“The AES is extremely grateful for all contributions,” said Roginska in the announcement.
Why the Audio Engineering Society Matters
From the AES’s standards work, the promotion of audio research, the development of milestone events to education spanning the breadth of audio technology and its application, the Society “has led the industry forward for more than 70 years,” the announcement says.
“Though the AES operates on a lean budget for an organization of its size, its small but dedicated staff and its volunteer leadership are tirelessly working to shepherd the Society through this generation-defining crisis,” the announcement says.
AES members are “investigating myriad possible sources of sustaining income while exploring new initiatives to continue its mission and provide timely and relevant member benefits,” according to the announcement.
Donations may be made on the AES website or through PayPal (use the “Send” function to route donations directly to [email protected]).
The AES will recognize individuals making contributions of $400 with a three-month Sustaining Member status; at $500 USD, contributing individuals will receive sustaining member status through December 2020.
As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, donations to AES by U.S. taxpayers are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Individuals and companies can also gift a membership to colleagues or friends through the AES Gift Membership program.
“Working together, the AES will persevere,” said Roginska.
