Thanks to the generosity of dedicated members and friends, the ARRL successfully met its 2011 fundraising goals. More than 6000 individuals and clubs supported the efforts of the ARRL this past year through gifts to the Diamond Club, the Spectrum Defense Fund, the Education & Technology Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, the W1AW Endowment Fund and the ARRL Endowment Fund.

Many of the ARRL’s programs and services would not be possible without the additional support of its members. The Development Office -- managed by Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH -- worked tirelessly throughout 2011 to make the membership aware of these needs. “I am proud to report that our members have enthusiastically and generously responded to our appeals all year long,” Hobart said. “Our overall goal for 2011 was $960,000. As of the end of the year, we had met -- and exceeded -- all expectations. To everyone who made this possible, thank you!”

The Spectrum Defense Fund is one of the most significant of ARRL’s donor-supported funds. It exceeded its goal in 2011, raising $366,717. Defending Amateur Radio frequencies and spectrum, both at home and abroad, requires constant vigilance, especially in today’s high-tech world. ARRL volunteers and staff are the sentinels and also the voice for Amateur Radio. Later this month ARRL Chief Executive Officer David Sumner, K1ZZ, and ARRL Chief Technology Officer Brennan Price, N4QX, will head to Geneva to attend the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-12), representing radio amateurs and working with IARU Member-Societies to safeguard the Amateur Radio spectrum against encroachments and regulations that might adversely affect it.

The Diamond Club provides the ARRL with unrestricted revenue to help where funding is needed the most. In 2011, the Diamond Club raised more than $386,000 and from nearly 2000 members. Diamond Club members enjoy a one year ARRL membership and other privileges. These funds help provide services that are not covered by members’ dues.

Members who are employed by federal agencies contributed more than $74,000 in 2011 through the Combined Federal Campaign. Some donors directed their contributions to one of the permanent funds or to the Diamond Club. Special thanks to those individuals who took advantage of this option to support ARRL so generously.

The Development Office was also pleased to announce success in the Education & Technology Fund and funding for the Teachers Institutes on Wireless Technology to help educate both teachers and students in wireless technology and to introduce Amateur Radio to another generation. Contributions to other funds included the Historic Preservation Fund, the W1AW Endowment and other permanent funds, such as the Legal Research Fund, Ham Aid and the Lab Fund. Also, the ARRL Endowment Fund received more than $380,000 through five bequests.

“The commitment and generosity of our donors is overwhelming,” said Individual Giving Manager Lauren Clarke. “Our members understand the needs within our organization, and help us keep our mission moving forward. Every gift -- large or small -- is important and, as we can see, every dollar adds up. Together we can accomplish great things. To all of our donors who were part of our success in 2011, thank you. The ARRL would not be where we are without you!”

For information on how you can support the ARRL through its various funds, please contact Clarke via e-mail or at 860-594-0348.