Make a Difference Today


Support the College of Charleston Geology and Environmental Geosciences Department and help shape the future of our students and programs!

Enriching opportunities for students and faculty

Our department is committed to enhancing the learning experiences of our students and faculty beyond what can be funded through general operating funds alone. By supporting our funds, you help us provide unparalleled opportunities for our ambitious students and dedicated faculty.

Your donation matters

Your generosity has a significant impact on our students' lives and the opportunities we can provide them. Every donation counts towards creating a brighter future for geology and environmental geosciences at the College of Charleston. Join us today in shaping the next generation of geoscientists by giving a gift that truly makes a difference.

Select your preferred fund


We offer various funds that cater to different aspects of our department's needs. You can easily select your preferred fund below or send a check to the department, clearly indicating which fund you wish to support.
  • Geology Department Fund (R325)

    The Geology Department Fund is used to support student awards and activities, faculty recruitment, and other projects.

    Support Geology Department Fund
  • Royal A. Hartenberger Memorial Fund (R341)

    The Royal A. Hartenberger Memorial Fund, established in 1996, supports field studies expenses for multiple students each year.

    Support Royal A. Hartenberger Fund
  • Geology Alumni Award Fund (E667)

    The Geology Alumni Award supports students in summer research with faculty, travel to professional conferences, and field studies courses.

    Created by a group of alumni, the Geology Alumni Endowed Award (GAEA) reached maturity in 2021. No other alumni group in the history of the school has initiated such an award and we need your continued help to support this fund! 

    Support Geology Alumni Award
  • Taylor Family Scholarship (R942)

    Carl “Al” Taylor, Jr. and his wife, Ione, generously established this scholarship to help support students majoring in Geology or Environmental Geosciences at the College of Charleston. Al graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Charleston in 1979 with a degree in Geology. 

    Support Taylor Family Scholarship
  • Paleontology Scholarship (R1000)

    This fund is used to support the academic development of an outstanding student who has shown scholastic strength, research potential, and professional interest in the field of paleontology. The scholarship recipient will receive $1,000 each year, for two years. These funds are applied directly to tuition. In the second year, the recipient will also receive a $500 research budget to be applied towards their independent research project.

    Support Paleontology Scholarship
  • Natural History Museum Fund (R548)

    The Mace Brown Museum of Natural History has amazing collections, including a focus on Lowcountry cetaceans and the evolution of whales. We have half of all Oligocene-aged cetacean fossils in the world! The museum is free and open to the public. Your gift helps support exploration, excavation, preservation, and installation of exhibits; and the students who help make it all happen! 

    Support Natural History Museum Fund
  • BEAMS Program Fund (R648)

    The BEnthic Acoustic Mapping and Survey [BEAMS] fund supports students applying geologic knowledge to seafloor research projects, attending professional conferences, and research vessel experiences. 

    Support BEAMS Program Fund
  • Matt Christie BEAMS Support Fund (R1045)

    Matt Christie 13 was a born explorerAt the College, Matt started out in marine biology, moved to psychology and then landed on geology, where he found his true calling – to be an offshore geologist through the BEAMS (BEnthic Acoustic Mapping and Survey) Program, the ocean-surveying brainchild of Leslie “Doc” Sautter. In 2021, Matt passed unexpectedly. To honor his life, as well as Sautter, Matt's parents, Dan and Claire Christie, bequeathed what they had designated in their will for him to what he loved, creating the Matt Christie Endowed BEAMS Support Fund to help others follow in his path.

    Support Matt Christie BEAMS Fund