Direct Giving to Named Funds
Since 1966, SRS has been dedicated to fulfilling its mission to improve the lives of patients with spinal deformities. The Society and its dedicated fellows seek to accomplish this mission through a number of programs which prioritize education of physicians worldwide, support of research into superior treatment options, and advocacy for patients and the treatments that will ultimately advance their standards of living.
A number of projects supporting the SRS mission require significant funding, and we are asking for your help so that we may continue to offer outstanding education, generous research grants, and effective advocacy efforts. Please consider donating to SRS.
SRS Research, Education, and Outreach (REO) Fund
REO Fund - Long Term
The REO Fund may be used to support research grants, directed research projects, scholarships and traveling fellowships, courses, and humanitarian outreach efforts that support the mission of the Scoliosis Research Society to foster optimal care for all patients with spinal deformity.
REO Fund - Current Use
Donations utilized within 24 months for research grants.
Lori A. Karol, MD Women in Spine Award Fund
Lori A. Karol, MD Women in Spine Award Fund
Dr. Karol was the first female elected to the SRS Presidential Line in 2020. Shortly before taking on the role of Vice President of the Society, she was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). While able to serve the Society for several months, ultimately, she resigned from her role as Vice President, and passed away in February 2022.
The award is to be used by the recipient to cover the various costs to attend the SRS Annual Meeting and to complete a 2-3 week visiting fellowship with an SRS member.
Winners of this award will be invited to participate in the SRS Leadership Dinner (Tuesday) and SRS President’s Reception (Friday) at the SRS Annual Meeting to help honor the mentorship Dr. Karol provided, and her dedication to being a leader within the SRS. These events offer a unique opportunity for the recipient to interact with current Society leadership and stakeholders in order to further develop their participation within the Society.
SRS Traveling Fellowship Fund
SRS Traveling Fellowship Fund
The SRS annual traveling fellowship sponsors three SRS fellows to visit spinal deformity centers in different regions. This once in a lifetime opportunity alternates between North American fellows (US, Canada, and Mexico) who visit centers in Europe/Asia and international fellows, who visit centers in North America. Both trips last 2-3 weeks and conclude at the Annual Meeting, if possible. Free Annual Meeting registration is included in the award. SRS is aiming to raise funds to make the SRS Traveling Fellowship program self-sustaining.
Stacy Lewis Fund
Stacy Lewis Fund
Stacy Lewis is a professional golfer and a star on the LPGA Tour who has not only amassed an incredible record of achievements during her collegiate and amateur career, but she has done it after overcoming the negative side effects of progressive scoliosis. Click here to read her story. All donations made in honor of Stacy Lewis through the Research Education Outreach (REO) Fund are used for research, education and outreach.
Other Ways to Give
Stocks and Securities
Make a larger impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds, directly to SRS.
For more information on how to make a stock donation contact Erica Ems, Membership & Development Manager at eems@srs.org.
Estate and Planned Gifts
Join Our Growing List of REO Donors!
The REO Fund directly supports SRS's mission: the ability to award more research grants, provide high quality educational programs, and support service programs that serve those without access to spinal deformity care. These gifts will also go a long way to assuring the financial independence and security of the SRS for future generations of spinal deformity care givers!
Ways to Make Deferred Gift
Gifts from a Will or Trust
Simply name SRS as a beneficiary in your will or trust.* You can use simple language such as: "I give, devise, and bequeath $_____ (or _____%) to the Scoliosis Research Society 555 east Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202."
(*Your personal tax advisor or family attorney can assist.)
Gifts by Beneficiary Designations
Name SRS as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, financial account or annuity. You will continue to benefit from these assets during your lifetime.
Gifts of Life Insurance
Gift life insurance policies to SRS and take an immediate tax deduction. You may also name SRS as a beneficiary of your policy.
To explore any of these gifts opportunities, please contact Membership & Development Manager, Erica Ems at eems@srs.org or (414) 289-9107.
The information provided above is not intended to be legal or tax advice. We recommend that you contact a qualified attorney or financial advisor to ensure your wishes for family and our organization are properly documented.
Pledges
SRS REO Fund pledges can be made, and spread out over up to five years. The sum of all your pledges and contributions to the SRS through the Fund determine your SRS Donor Recognition Level. All donations made to the Fund accumulate over the lifetime of the donor, so even modest annual gifts allow the donor to continue climbing the recognition levels.
If you are interested in making a pledge, please complete this form and send to Membership & Development Manager, Erica Ems at eems@srs.org.
Honor and Memorial Gifts
A memorial or honor gift is a meaningful way to commemorate a loved one, celebrate a special occasion, or express gratitude and admiration for someone significant in your life.
You can make a memorial or honor gift through our online donation portal, or we are happy to provide guidance on available options. We want to ensure that your gift is used in a way that best honors the individual's legacy.
By giving a memorial or honor gift, you celebrate a life well-lived and ensure that their spirit continues to inspire and make a difference in the world.
SRS is a 501(c)3 organization operated exclusively for educational and scientific purposes. Contributions to SRS are tax deductible.
If you would like to mail a donation to the Scoliosis Research Society, please mail to
Scoliosis Research Society
Attn: Development Department
555 E. Wells Street, Suite 1100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Please make checks payable to Scoliosis Research Society.
Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF) Annual Giving
Donations to this program are immediately available for research funding. Contributions to the SRS/OREF Annual Giving of $1,000 or more qualify the contributor to the Order of Merit. The first $500 of every donation goes to OREF to support their orthopaedic research grants and the remainder stays with the SRS Annual Giving Fund.
What is the SRS REO Fund? Why was it created?
The SRS REO Fund was established in 2011 as a SRS Board of Directors directed initiative to provide SRS members and donors an alternative to the OREF giving pathway. This option was developed with International SRS Members and SRS Neurosurgeon Members in mind, but offers many advantages to all those who wish to support the SRS through their generous donations.
Who controls the REO Fund?
The SRS REO Fund is a SRS Board Directed Fund, and is wholly owned and controlled by the SRS. Every dollar stays with the SRS to support the SRS mission, activities and programs.
Does the REO Fund have a recognition program?
The REO Fund offers flexible giving options with recognition levels starting at $100 to encourage 100 percent membership participation! A 50 percent adjustment for corresponding recognition level was established for international members to address the inequities in tax laws and income.
Recognition Levels
| LEVELS OF GIVING | DONATION AMOUNT | |
| UNITED STATES | OUTSIDE U.S. | |
| CONTRIBUTING | $100 - $4,999 | $50 - $2,499 |
| SUSTAINING | $5,000 - $9,999 | $2,500 - $4,999 |
| BENEFACTOR | $10,000 - $19,999 | $5,000 - $9,999 |
| PRESIDENTS | $20,000 - $39,999 | $10,000 - $19,999 |
| PRESIDENTS ELITE | $40,000 - $99,999 | $20,000 - $49,999 |
| FOUNDERS | $100,000 - $499,999 | $50,000 - $249,999 |
| LEGENDS | $500,000 - $999,999 | $250,000 - $499,999 |
| LEGENDS ELITE | $1 Million or more | $500,000 or more |
What kinds of pledges are possible?
SRS REO Fund pledges can be made, and spread over up to five years. The sum of all of your pledges and contributions to the SRS through the REO Fund and OREF determine your SRS Recognition Level. All donations made to the REO Fund accumulate over the lifetime of the donor, so even modest annual gifts allow the donor to continue climbing the recognition levels.
How will my donation be used?
The REO Fund gives the donor the opportunity to earmark all or a portion of a donation for "current use" or "long term" funding. "Current use" gifts will be used within twenty four months to support SRS activities. "Long term" gifts will be utilized to cultivate principal and ensure financial security.
Can I designate what I want my donation to be directed toward?
Can this donation bear someone's name? Sizable pledges or contributions of $100,000-500,000 allow the donor to designate the gift's purpose, pending BOD approval and in keeping with the SRS mission. Pledges or contributions of one million or greater may bear the name of a person chosen by the donor.
How do I donate to SRS REO Fund?
You can donate through the SRS website, send a check, or contact the SRS office to help with setting up a payroll deduction option. We will gladly help you with your donation needs and can offer customized giving options. Deferred giving life insurance options are currently under construction and will be available starting at the September 2012 Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, United States. A life insurance gift of $100,000 will earn the donor a place in the Founders Recognition level.
Why should I donate to the REO Fund?
The REO Fund directly supports SRS's mission: the ability to award more research grants, provide high quality educational programs, and support service programs that serve those without access to spinal deformity care. These gifts will also go a long way to assuring the financial independence and security of the SRS for future generations of spinal deformity care givers!
Legends Elite
U.S. • $1 million or more | Outside U.S. • $500,000 or more
Drs. Behrooz Akbarnia and Nasrin Owsia
Leander D. Beard †
Alvin H. Crawford, MD
Dr. Lawrence G. and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Lenke
David W. Polly Jr., MD and Shirley M. Polly, MD
Presidents Elite
U.S. • $40,000 - $99,999 | Outside U.S. • $20,000 - $49,999
Neel Anand, MD
Randal R. Betz, MD
Keith H. Bridwell, MD
Kenneth MC Cheung, MD
David H. Clements III, MD
Marinus de Kleuver, MD, PhD
Drs. John B. and S. Jean Emans
Thomas J. Errico, MD
Timothy A. Garvey, MD
Dr. Steven and Mrs. Sylvia Glassman
Azmi Hamzaoglu, MD
Charles F. Heinig, MD †
Kenneth Heithoff, MD
Marjory A. Hornsby
Dr. and Mrs. Kamal N. Ibrahim
John P. Kostuik, MD
Hubert Labelle, MD
Stacy Lewis
David S. Marks, FRCS, FRCS(Orth)
Michael John McMaster, MD, DSc, FRCS
Greg and Lesley Mundis
James W. Ogilvie, MD
Joseph H. Perra, MD
B. Stephens Richards, MD
Dr. Albert and Mrs. Shirley Sanders †
David L. Skaggs, MD
Howard H. Steel, MD †
Nobumasa Suzuki, MD, PhD
Vernon T. Tolo, MD
Dr. Mark Weidenbaum and Lisa Berke-Weidenbaum
Michael J. Yaszemski, MD, PhD
Presidents
U.S. • $20,000 - $39,999 | Outside U.S. • $10,000 - $19,999
Christopher J. Bergin, MD
Dr. Paul A. and Mrs. Pam B. Broadstone
Gary T. Brock, MD
Jacob M. Buchowski, MD, MS
Douglas C. Burton, MD
J. Abbott Byrd III, MD
Donald P. K. Chan, MD
Dennis G. Crandall, MD
Christopher J. DeWald, MD
Dr. and Mrs. Ronald L. DeWald
John P. Dormans, MD, FACS
Denis S. Drummond, MD †
Robert K. Eastlack, MD
Mary Kay Farley
John A I Ferguson, FRACS
Jeremy L. Fogelson, MD
Martha F. Ford
Jonathan E. Fuller, MD
Robert W. Gaines Jr., MD
Munish Gupta, MD
Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence L. Haber
Thomas R. Haher, MD
Lloyd A. Hey, MD, MS
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Hoffman
Roger P. Jackson, MD
Khaled M. Kebaish, MD
John T. Killian, MD
Andrew G. King, MD
Howard A. King, MD
Mary K. Kyger
Michael O. LaGrone, MD
Stephen J. Lewis, MD, MSc, FRCSC
Thomas G. Lowe, MD †
John P. Lubicky, MD, FAAOS, FAAP,FAOA
James R. Malcolm, MD
Sean E. McCance, MD
Richard E. McCarthy, MD
Hani H. Mhaidli, MD, PhD
Ram Mudiyam, MD, MBA
Marr P. Mullen, MD †
Praveen V. Mummaneni, MD
Michael G. Neuwirth, MD
Russ P. Nockels, MD
Jeffrey H. Owen, PhD
Ferran Pellise, MD, PhD
Francisco Javier Sanchez Perez-Grueso Sr., MD
Preston J. Phillips, MD †
Nigel J. Price, MD
Karl E. Rathjen, MD
Dr. Michael S. and Mrs. Myong Roh
James O. Sanders, MD
John F. Sarwark, MD
Rick C. Sasso, MD
Frank Schwab, MD
Dilip K. Sengupta, MD
Christopher I. Shaffrey, MD
Suken A. Shah, MD
Rudolph F. Taddonio, MD
Dr. George H. and Mrs. Janice L. Thompson
Ensor E. Transfeldt, MD
Dr. Theodore and Mrs. Iris Wagner
Eric J. Wall, MD
Walter Ward Jr. †
Read Warriner
Benefactor
U.S. • $10,000 - $19,999 | Outside U.S. • $5,000 - $9,999
Eric E. Aanenson
Michael C. Albert, MD
Landsay M. Andras, MD
Mark A. Barry, MD
Allan C. Beebe, MD
Daniel R. Benson, MD
Mark Bernhardt, MD †
Sigurd H. Berven, MD
John T. Braun, MD
Lawrence P. Brown, MD
Shane Burch, MD, FRCS(C)
Evalina L. Burger, MD
John Kenneth Burkus, MD
Patrick J. Cahill, MD
John M. Caridi, MD
Allen L. Carl, MD
Michael Paul Chapman, MD
Davis W. Clark, MD †
Michael D. Daubs, MD
Vedat Deviren, MD
Frances Farley, MD and Darryl Snabes
Laura B. Flawn, MD †
Daniel E. Gelb, MD
Regis W. Haid Jr., MD
Joseph C. Hallett, PGA
Kim W. Hammerberg, MD
James J. Harms, MD
Hamid Hassanzadeh, MD
Brian Hsu, MD
Steven W. Hwang, MD
Charles E. Johnston, MD
Lawrence I. Karlin, MD
Timothy L. Keenen, MD
Michael P. Kelly, MD
James T. Lehner, MD
Sally Lowe
G. Dean MacEwen, MD
Sharon K. Mayberry, MD
Andrew A. Merola, MD
Dr. Todd A. Milbrandt and Ms. Mary Beth Magyar
Lora Mohr
Richard J. Nasca, MD
Jeffrey B. Neustadt, MD
Pierce D. Nunley, MD
Isao Ohki, MD, PhD
Joshua M. Pahys, MD
Stefan Parent, MD, PhD
Kathryn Pendergrast
Ellen M. Raney, MD
Paul T. Rubery Jr., MD
Scott S. Russo, MD
Michael F. Schafer, MD †
Dr. Richard M. and Mrs. Colleen G. Schwend
John T. Smith, MD
Dr. Kit M. Song and Kwi Y. Lee
Synthes Spine
Luther M. Strayer III, MD †
Peter F. Sturm, MD
Daniel J. Sucato, MD, MS
Clifford B. Tribus, MD
Vagmin P. Vora, MD
Rachel B. Wagman
Kota Watanabe, MD, PhD
Martin E. Wolpin, MD †
H. Randal Woodward, MD
Sustaining
U.S. • $5,000 - $9,999 | Outside U.S. • $2,500 - $4,999
Ahmet Alanay, MD
Stephen A. Albanese, MD
Howard S. An, MD
Dr. D. Greg and Mrs. Sandra Anderson
Darrel S. Brodke, MD
Susan T. Brown
Robert M. Campbell Jr., MD †
J. Martin Carlson
Theodore J. Choma, MD
Jeffrey D. Coe, MD
Alan H. Daniels, MD
Ivan Ferraretto Sr., MD, PhD
Sumeet Gard, MD
Geoffrey F. Haft, MD, FAAOS
Juergen G. Harms, MD
Daniel J. Hedequist, MD
W. Fred Hess, MD
James E. Holmblad, MD †
William C. Horton III, MD
Yongjung J. Kim, MD
Jan E. Klamar, MD
Jerome L. Kolavo, MD
Timothy R. Kuklo, MD, JD
Robert K. Lark, MD, MS
William Francis Lavelle, MD
Isador H. Lieberman, MD, MBA, FRCSC
Rick Long
Jack K. Mayfield, MD, MS, FACS, M.Div.
Dr. Gregory and Mrs. Madelyn Mencio
Joe T. Minchew, MD
Robert W. Molinari, MD
Patrick F. O'Leary, MD, FACS
William A. Phillips, MD
Howard M. Place, MD
Paulo Jose Silva Ramos, MD
Kent A. Reinker, MD
Luann F. Reno
James W. Roach, MD
Denis Sakai, MD
Kurt P. Schellhas
Jonathan N. Sembrano, MD
Edward H. Simmons
Michael D. Smith, MD
Brian D. Snyder, MD, PhD
Michael L. Swank, MD
Yoshiharu Takemitsu, MD
Carlos A. Tello, MD, PhD
Jeffrey D. Thomson, MD
Alexander R. Vaccaro, III, MD, PhD, MBA
John VanSanten
Charles H. Wingo, MD
Robert B. Winter, MD †
Hee-Kit Wong, MD
Kirkham B. Wood, MD
Andra G. Yoshioka
Matthew Scott Young, MBBS FRACS FAOrthA
David Zubero
Contributing
U.S. • $100 - $4,999 | Outside U.S. • $50 - $2,499
1,742 Donors
SRS Research Initiatives
Relying on profits from meetings and donations from members and medical companies each year, the SRS began limited research funding in 1980. In the late 1980's, SRS leaders decided to establish a Research Endowment fund in order to guarantee the availability of funds for scoliosis research. Mostly through donations from SRS members, a goal of $1.2 million was reached in 1992. Income from this fund has been used each year to fund projects selected through a peer-reviewed grant application process. Grant recipients are required to provide regular financial reports and to report on the results of their research at an SRS meeting.
Since 1980, the SRS has provided more than $6.2 million to fund 189 spinal deformity research projects. These have included studies on improved spinal cord monitoring during surgery, brace treatment effectiveness, methods to improve fusion rates, and three large studies looking for the cause of idiopathic scoliosis. We are pleased to have provided the "seed money" that allowed one of our members to obtain a $1 million dollar grant from the National Institute of Health based on her preliminary work on genetics related to scoliosis.
If you are considering a donation to the SRS research fund, the most important fact might be that all donations are used entirely for research seeking improved treatments, the causes, and possible prevention of spinal deformities. No portion of any contribution is used for any other purpose. The Scoliosis Research Society is a 501(c)3 organization operated exclusively for educational and scientific purposes. Contributions to the SRS Research Fund are deductible by donors in computing their taxable income in the manner and to the extent provided by IRS codes. Operating funds for the SRS come from membership dues, our annual meeting and courses, publication sales and other sources.
The SRS is a 501(c)3, non-profit corporation, which files a form 990 report each year with the Internal Revenue Service. Our federal tax ID number is 23-7181863. Financial summaries and copies of form 990 reports for SRS are available on the Guide Star Web site, at www.guidestar.org. Additional information on scoliosis and the SRS is available through our Web site, www.srs.org.
The Scoliosis Research Society is committed to transparency. Check out our nonprofit profile on GuideStar to see the great work we do for our community. We want to make sure you have the progress updates you need to confidently support our work with trust and confidence.