Our crowdfunding campaign has ended. You can still support the #BlackinChem Fund by clicking here.

*STRETCH GOAL* #BlackinChem x UCLA

Participation Drive
125 Donors
250%
Towards goal of 50 Donors
$9,799.00 Raised
Project has ended
Project ended on January 01, at 12:00 AM PST
Project Owners

Matching Funds Unlocked!

December 02, 2020

We did it!

 

Thank you all for your help unlocking the matching funds yesterday! It seemed like every time we refreshed, more people were stepping up to help. It was thrilling, humbling and touching to see so many friends, classmates, collaborators and allies from all across the States taking part in our Giving Tuesday Challenge.

 

And now that we've unlocked matching funds for the whole campaign, every gift will be doubled! With gratitude and celebration, we will press on toward our ultimate goal of endowing an annual lectureship series to celebrate Black excellence in research. ​In order to achieve this, and to build on the incredible momentum we've seen with this campaign thus far, we are extending the campaign goal again!  

 

Thank you for being a part of this journey,

Sammy, Amber, Alex and Joy

Unlock Matching Funds by Midnight!

December 01, 2020

Double the Impact!

When we get to 100 supporters by midnight tonight, the UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry Department will match, dollar-for-dollar, all gifts to our campaign! Please help ensure your gift gets doubled by sharing this opportunity with your friends and family today. 

 

Thank you and Happy GivingTuesday.

On the eve of GivingTuesday, I'd like to thank you.

November 30, 2020

UCLA has handpicked our project as one of the five that it will be featuring for GivingTuesday tomorrow. This is a testament to the critical need for these issues of equity, diversity and inclusion to be addressed. It is also a testament to our community—the enthusiasm and groundswell of support played an important part in being chosen to represent the best of UCLA on this GivingTuesday.

 

So thank you. 

 

All the best,

The BlackinChemxUCLA community

P.S. There will be an exciting challenge gift opportunity announced on GivingTuesday... so please stay tuned! 

 

Stretch Goal: 75 donors

November 23, 2020

Well, thank you for completely blowing our expectations out of the water!

 

In planning this campaign, we knew our ultimate goal would be to raise $100,000 so that we can endow an annual lecture. And while we are still a long way from that, we are so heartened by the fact that we've already raised $3,309 from 56 supporters. A journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step, so we are planning to continue making additional strides toward equality, equity, and inclusion.

 

Our stretch goal is to garner support from 75 folks. Would you take a moment to share this campaign with someone who might be interested in joining you in supporting Black excellence? 

 

Thank you again for your support in the midst of these uncertain times,

Sammy, Alex, Amber, and Joy 

Day 1: WOW

November 17, 2020

I am completely blown away by the gracious generosity of this community! Thank you so much for supporting our efforts to promote Black excellence. Yesterday was the first official day of our campaign, and we're already 38% toward the goal of 50 supporters. Thank you. 

 

In the midst of everything going on in the world right now, you're the reason we are celebrating today. 

 

Thank you for showing up!

 

In solidarity,

Sammy

 

Samantha T. Mensah

Cofounder of #BlackinChem

Ph.D. Candidate, Materials Chemistry

University of California, Los Angeles

Levels
Choose a giving level

$8

Bruin Spirit

For current UCLA Bruins... who want to support other Bruins! Donate $8 in honor of the 8-Clap and feel the true Bruin spirit.

$51

Honor Black Chem Professors

As of 2016, the top 75 U.S. chemistry departments (in NSF rankings of chemistry research spending) had 2,196 total professors, but only 51 Black professors. That’s 2.3%.

$221

Chip in for Lectures

Help cover some of the costs of hosting a world-renown Black scientist for the inaugural event (virtually) and toward future in-person events which will help us reach and collaborate with a broader community.

$656

Support Black Grad Students

In 2016, there were only 656 Black U.S. citizen or permanent resident chemistry graduate students.

$2,021

Celebrate the Class of 2021

Honor UCLA's graduating class with your gift made in support of the scientists of our future.

$10,000

UCLA Optimist

Covers the cost of one lecture—including honorarium, travel expenses, and catering to create a sense of community and the celebration of research excellence.