Sponsorships & Partnerships

A donation to the Perth Observatory is more than a philanthropic investment to ensure the development of the Observatory's unique services into the future; you are also making a positive contribution to the heritage and culture of the state.

Why sponsor Perth Observatory?

The night skies have long sparked the imagination, provided inspiration and stimulated human curiosity that remains unabated to this day. The night sky still provides the vast majority of people with enjoyment and a basic appreciation of the physical sciences. This often repeated experience affects a wide audience, in different ways, so that astronomy permeates our culture and has an impact far beyond the discipline itself.

Therefore, sponsoring Perth Observatory is more than a contribution to its educational, outreach and research outcomes but is an investment in a lasting cultural activity (see Perth Observatory Heritage Listing) that positively affects our society on a variety of levels.

However, modern technological developments and unceasing astronomical discoveries present opportunities that are hard to realize with government funding alone. Perth Observatory has the astronomy skills, experience and vision, but needs your assistance.

Furthermore, you will be partnering a unique local institution that through its long-term specialised service provision has widespread community respect and support.

In keeping with the subject and the longevity of the Observatory, your sponsorship can contribute, and be recognized, in lasting ways.

Recognition opportunities

There are many benefits that accrue to the individual or corporate partner of Perth Observatory projects:

• It will show that you not only care about the wider cultural aspects of our community, but are also interested in its future through the education of students and the community at large in the physical sciences (often called the "enabling sciences") via astronomy,
• You gain credibility and good will by your involvement with a widely respected institution, and
• It provides an opportunity for you and your staff to become involved in Observatory activities and thus boost corporate morale and pride.

Depending on your sponsorship the benefits you or your company can expect to receive include:

• Advertising and promotional rights,
• Media coverage,
• Acknowledgment on signs,
• Naming privileges on selected facilities and equipment,
• Acknowledgments in Perth Observatory publications, written material, press releases and website,
• Participation in official functions and launches,
• Use of the Perth Observatory facilities for meetings, functions or small conferences, and
• Framed certificate of recognition.

Alternatively, your anonymity will be maintained should you wish it.

Commitment to our partners

Perth Observatory values the contributions from its partners and will use all the resources at its disposal to maximise the success of each project. Furthermore, Perth Observatory will work in partnership for the benefit of the community and all involved, as well as the advancement of astronomy.

Where can you help?

Sponsorship projects can be tailor-made to your interests or you are most welcome to partner projects currently operational or in advanced planning. Contributions can be in the form of funds, goods, services, or time - all are gratefully accepted.

Please phone (or ) the Government Astronomer, Dr James Biggs for details concerning current projects in need of support, or, you are most welcome to make your own suggestions.

Donations of goods or services need to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

Donations of money can be handled in three ways. Tax-deductible donations can be made to the Perth Observatory Volunteers Group Project trust fund. This mechanism is appropriate for donations of a short-term nature (e.g. funding a new camera). Non tax-deductible donations can be made to the Perth Observatory trust fund. This mechanism is appropriate for donations of a short-term nature by corporations or in a bequest.

Donations of funds (including shares, property etc) are handled through a Donations Account with the WA Community Foundation (WACF). WACF is an independent, not-for-profit charitable company limited by guarantee, and registered as an income tax-exempt charity. Its Patron is the Governor of Western Australia, with the Premier of Western Australia and Leader of the Opposition serving as Vice-Patrons. The foundation mechanism is very attractive to donors wishing to make long-term benefactions, their donations contribute in perpetuity through the interest accrued by the Donations Account.

Those wishing to contribute their time via specialised services such as accounting, legal, computing, printing, for example, are most welcome.

Of course, one enjoyable way of donating time to the Observatory is to join the Perth Observatory Volunteers Group.

Contact

For more details about Perth Observatory sponsorship opportunities, or if you wish to discuss a project, please phone (or ) the Government Astronomer for Western Australia, Dr James Biggs.