Great Ape Trust Begins Fundraising Campaign

Great Ape Trust has announced fundraising efforts are underway to ensure the organization's viability and continued scientific success. Great Ape Trust is a world-class scientific research organization in southeast Des Moines dedicated to studying the origins and future of culture, language, tools and intelligence.

Since its inception in 2002, Great Ape Trust has been funded primarily by its founder, Ted Townsend. His generosity resulted in the construction of research facilities, the formation of an internationally renowned scientific team the transfer of a valuable research colony of bonobos and great ape conservation initiatives worldwide. However, Mr. Townsend's financial commitment was not intended to continue indefinitely and is scheduled to end later this year.

"It is important that as a scientific organization, we move away from the funding of an individual to more traditional sources of research funds - such as foundations and granting institutions," said Al Setka, communications director for Great Ape Trust.

With the successful funding history of the bonobo program and the current negotiations underway with academic institutions, foundations and research organizations within Iowa and overseas, Great Ape Trust scientists and the board of directors are optimistic that funds are forthcoming in the next 12-18 months.

"That means we will need bridging funds to sustain Great ape Trust operations from the end of 2011 to at least the latter part of next year," Setka said. "This is no surprise, we've known for some time that we would need to transition to these traditional research funding sources."

Preparations for the bridge fund campaign began earlier this summer and the Great Ape Trust board of directors is now contacting targeted, potential donors.  Anyone may contribute on-line by clicking the Support Great Ape Trust button at www.GreatApeTrust.org.