There are many ways in which individuals can be of assistance to the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute.

Make a Gift

You can help expand our research and support our students by making a gift to the Marine Mammal Institute via the OSU Foundation. If you choose to support the Marine Mammal Institute, please know that your gift will have a significant impact. Private funds support about half of our research, for which we are extremely grateful. 

Donations

  • Online: Make a direct gift online through the secure donation portal at beav.es/mmi-gifts, or click the button below.

Donate to MMI

  • Phone: To contribute by phone, please call the OSU Foundation at (800) 354-7281 or (541) 737-4218.
  • Check: Please make checks payable to "OSU Foundation." Write Marine Mammal Institute on the memo line, and send to:

OSU Foundation
4238 SW Research Way
Corvallis, OR 97333-1068

Estate Planning

To ensure that your estate gift to Marine Mammal Institute is carried out as you wish, please see our sample Bequest Language.

Life-Income Gifts

A “life-income gift” guarantees an income stream for life. To learn more, please contact the OSU Foundation Office of Gift Planning, (800) 336-8217.

College of Agricultural Sciences Student Emergency Fund

While the full impact of COVID-19 on our student community is still unfolding, it has already significantly disrupted their lives, resulting in unexpected financial needs. The Beavers Care initiative provides immediate resources for OSU students who are facing new and overwhelming challenges. Please considering donating now to help students meet their needs during this uncertain time and stay on track to graduate. 

Purchase a Coastal Playground Whale License Plate

The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles offers a special license plate that benefits the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. The Coastal Playground plate features an image of a gray whale mother and calf on a background showcasing a coastal lighthouse. Each sale and renewal of this special plate contributes critical funds to the OSU MMI, which are then used to support Oregon marine mammal research, public outreach, and educational opportunities for students. For more information about the license plate, please visit whaleplate.com

Volunteer

The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network (OMMSN) relies heavily on the involvement of local Oregonian volunteers, who serve as its eyes and ears on the beaches. For more information, please contact Jim Rice, OMMSN Coordinator, at (541) 867-0446 or jim.rice@oregonstate.edu

Each winter, Dr. Bruce Mate teaches a weekend course to volunteers of the Whale Watching Spoken Here program. These 200–400 volunteers then help to educate 40,000 visitors to the Oregon Coast during the height of the gray whale migration cycle. For more information, contact the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For other marine science volunteer opportunities, please visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center Undergrad Scholarships and Internships webpage (scroll to the bottom to Volunteer Opportunities).

Subscribe to the MARMAM listserv for global marine mammal–related research announcements and opportunities.