ABS Presidents Fund
Honoring Leadership
Advancing Borderlands Studies
The ABS Presidents Fund honors the legacy of past presidents of the Association for Borderlands Studies (ABS), advancing our mission to foster borderlands research and interdisciplinary exchange on a global scale.
What is the ABS Presidents Fund?
Established through the vision and generosity of past ABS presidents, the ABS Presidents Fund provides strategic resources to support projects that promote interdisciplinary scholarship, expand professional development opportunities, and encourage participation across geographic, disciplinary, and generational boundaries.
A Legacy of Commitment and Growth
The initiative to create the ABS Presidents Fund began in 2017 under Paul Ganster’s leadership, with support from an esteemed group of past ABS presidents. In 2019, the fund was formally established as an endowment at the San Diego Community Foundation (SDCF) through initial contributions and ongoing board support.
Initial fundraising brought the fund to $11,482, which grew through further contributions and was transferred to SDCF.
As of March 31, 2025, the ABS Presidents Fund endowment is $141,230, well above the original $25,000 threshold required to generate periodic support for ABS activities.
The endowment’s purpose is to provide ABS with long-term financial stability, ensuring the advancement of scholarly border research and its global dissemination.
The ABS Board of Directors determines the fund’s oversight and use in accordance with ABS’s mission and IRS/SDCF guidelines.
Why Give to the ABS Presidents Fund?
Your contribution to the ABS Presidents Fund is an investment in the future of borderlands scholarship. This endowment strengthens our ability to:
• Support innovative research and scholarly exchange.
• Encourage early-career scholars and student participation.
• Advance public and academic dialogue on borders.
• Ensure financial resilience for the association’s next-generation.
• Every gift, regardless of size, helps sustain and expand ABS and the borderlands studies community’s reach.
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
Interest generated by the fund supports initiatives such as:
• ABS research grants and travel awards.
• Global conferences and workshops.
• Student and early-career engagement.
• Special projects to expand the impact of borderlands studies.
• Your support empowers ABS to remain at the forefront of interdisciplinary research, education, and knowledge exchange.
How to Donate
Giving to the ABS Presidents Fund is simple and secure. Donations can be made online via credit or debit card through Stripe. For larger gifts, planned giving, or to make a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) contribution from your retirement account, please contact the ABS at absborderlands@gmail.com.
Tax Information
The Association for Borderlands Studies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under U.S. tax law. U.S. donors may claim their contribution as a charitable deduction—please consult your tax advisor for details..
Special Note:
If you are 72 or older, a direct donation from your employer-sponsored or individual retirement account (such as 401k, 403b, or IRA) can count toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and may offer additional tax benefits. Contact us for guidance on making an RMD gift.
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Contact & Questions
For questions about the ABS Presidents Fund, planned giving, or to discuss a major gift, please contact:
ABS Secretary and Treasurer
absborderlands@gmail.com.
Support the Future of Borderlands Studies
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