Major Gifts
Significant donations enable our scientists to pursue innovative ideas and turn new discoveries into real breakthroughs for patients. Donors at the highest levels of philanthropy - those who give a gift of $25,000 or more - are recognized by Diabetes Research Institute and Foundation through special programs, because we recognize that your generosity helps speed progress toward a cure for diabetes.
There are many ways that you can make a major gift and have a major impact on our diabetes research efforts.
Unrestricted Gifts
Unrestricted gifts offer the flexibility to use the funds for priority scientific programs that are in the greatest need of support.
Restricted Gifts
Restricted gifts help support a specific research program or groundbreaking initiative in which the donor has a particular interest.
Naming Opportunities
Naming opportunities allow our generous contributors to create a lasting tribute for their family or other loved ones. Donors can name:
- Endowed chairs
- Laboratories
- Research programs
- Scientific equipment
- Many other important areas of the DRI
The DRI Foundation recognizes donors who make a major donation through a distinctive award program called The Cycle of Discovery.
The elegant series of eight sculptures portrays the scientific journey through the evolution of an idea. Each piece in the sequence is an artistic representation of the endless questioning, the complex investigation, the perpetuation of thought, and the significant accomplishments made by DRI scientists who are committed to finding a diabetes cure as quickly as possible.
The Cycle of Discovery awards correspond with the Foundation's eight cumulative giving designations:
| Donor Level |
Amount |
Award |
| Benefactors |
$25,000+ |
Query |
| Founders |
$50,000+ |
Hypothesis |
| Grand Founders |
$100,000+ |
Exploration |
| Distinguished Humanitarians |
$250,000+ |
Realization |
| Governor's Society |
$500,000+ |
Translation |
| Leadership Council |
$1,000,000+ |
Perpetuation |
| Chairman’s Council |
$5,000,000+ |
Validation |
| Visionaries |
$10,000,000+ |
Innovation |
These generous donations, made by individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations, support the DRI's ongoing areas of need.
In addition to receiving The Cycle of Discovery award, individuals who have reached these giving levels are permanently recognized within the Diabetes Research Institute on its distinctive walls of honor, and are acknowledged in several Foundation publications.
Donors at the Founders level and above are also recognized through the University of Miami's Major Gifts program.