Support · Give
Make a contribution
Two organizations, one mission. Give to the Station, to the Foundation, or to both, and help keep science, education and wild places thriving in the southern Blue Ridge.
HBS · a center of Western Carolina UniversityHBF · an independent 501(c)(3)
01 · Where your gift goes
Two ways to give
Highlands Biological Station and the Highlands Biological Foundation are separate organizations working toward the same mission. Choose one, or give to both.
Highlands Biological Station
Give to the Station
HBS is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University, a public institution in the UNC System. State funding covers core operations; gifts support research infrastructure, equipment and academic programs beyond state appropriations.
- Supports
- Research facilities, academic courses, campus infrastructure and graduate support
- How
- Online through WCU’s giving platform, GiveCampus, one-time or recurring. Or call 828.526.2602.
- Tax
- Gifts are processed by a public state university and are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Highlands Biological Foundation · separate nonprofit
Give to the Foundation
The Highlands Biological Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) that exists to support HBS. It funds the Highlands Nature Center, awards research scholarships and grants-in-aid, and hosts community events. Every dollar stays in the southern Appalachians.
- Supports
- Nature Center programs, lecture series, research grants and outreach
- How
- Online through Qgiv, one-time or recurring; by check, by phone, in person, or through a donor-advised fund or stock gift.
- Tax
- 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law. A gift of $30 or more includes a one-year membership.
Hoping to support the Botanical Gardens in particular? Gifts can be designated to a specific program. Call the Station at 828.526.2602
02 · Membership
$30
A gift of $30 or more to the Foundation includes a one-year HBF membership
Become a member
Membership belongs to the Highlands Biological Foundation. Members get early program registration, members-only events and newsletters; the Foundation’s giving page has the full details.
03 · Other ways to give
Other ways to give
These are the Station’s options. For gifts to the Foundation by check, phone, stock, donor-advised fund, or in someone’s honor or memory, see the Foundation’s giving page or call 828.526.2221.
| Method | To the Station (HBS) |
|---|---|
| Online | GiveCampus, one-time or recurring |
| By check | Call or email the HBS office to arrange |
| In person | Call or email the HBS office to arrange |
| By phone | 828.526.2602 |
| Stock, donor-advised funds & planned gifts | Call or email the HBS office |
| In honor or memory | Call or email the HBS office |
04 · Questions
Common questions
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Gifts to the Highlands Biological Foundation are 100% tax-deductible; HBF is a registered 501(c)(3). Gifts to HBS are processed by Western Carolina University, a public state university. Rules for gifts to public universities vary, so please confirm deductibility with your tax advisor.
Is the Foundation part of HBS?
No. The Highlands Biological Foundation is an independent nonprofit that exists specifically to support HBS. HBS is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.
Can I direct my gift to a specific program?
Yes. Contact the Station at 828.526.2602 or the Foundation at 828.526.2221 to designate your gift, for example to the Botanical Gardens, the Nature Center or research scholarships.
How does membership work?
A gift of $30 or more to the Foundation automatically makes you an HBF member for one year. The Foundation’s giving page has the details.
Can I give to both?
Yes. Each organization uses its own giving page, so make a gift through each one.
Do you accept corporate or institutional gifts?
Both organizations accept corporate and institutional gifts. Colleges and universities can also join as member institutions.
More ways to help
Give your time, too
Highlands Biological Station · 265 N. 6th Street, Highlands, NC 28741 · 828.526.2602 · hbs@wcu.edu
Highlands Biological Foundation (separate 501(c)(3)) · P.O. Box 580, Highlands, NC 28741 · office at 2465 Cashiers Rd · 828.526.2221