Visions for Funding
What will all this costs and who will pay for it?
© 2024 IAU General Assembly 2024 – Cape Town
Diverse Sources
Status / Challenges:
The vision for 2024 cannot be seen as only for the GA but for a broader vision for astronomy in Africa that is simply being catalysed by the GA. For example, funds such as those already allocated for student training, can be seen to feed into this vision without necessarily being labelled as such.
Actions:
Establish a holistic funding plan that would have a section for the logistics of the GA, but would also give a consolidated picture of astronomy funding for the continent, identifying where gaps exist. This plan would then be used for fundraising and lobbying in a bigger picture context
Potential Stakeholders:
…
Government
Status / Challenges:
- Government funds should come from across departments, with African Departments of Science and Technology (or equivalent) providing the bulk of support, but also potentially Tourism, Trade and Industry, etc given the scale of the event.
- The Western Cape Government has already committed over ZAR600k for 2024
Actions:
- Confirm the funding levels that various African governments would be able to support, especially those from the host country.
- Engage governments regarding policy discussions through engagements at high level meetings e.g. United Nations General Assembly
- Establish a continent-wide picture of funding for astronomy, based on the holistic funding plan.
Potential Stakeholders:
…
Private Sector
Status / Challenges:
- Since the GA would be an opportunity to showcase African Science and Technology, the relevant players in the private sector could benefit from showcasing their skills and offerings
- Potential industries who would employ the skills of astronomers could highlight work opportunities in their sectors through sponsorships and presence at the GA
- In the context of language, organisations like Microsoft or Google could be approached for support/sponsorship. Microsoft is already at the stage where they can live caption in other languages, and Google translate is very advanced in online free translation.
Actions:
- All companies involved in the construction and operation of MeerKAT, SALT and SKA-mid should be contacted and involved in some way, given that a GA in Africa would help showcase their technical capabilities to the international community
- Large international organisations should be approached for support on specific areas e.g. language/translation
Potential Stakeholders:
…
Diverse Sources
Status / Challenges:
There are several high net-worth individuals across Africa, mainly business people. They could potentially be brought in to support astronomy in Africa, perhaps via exclusive trips to observatories, named infrastructure, etc.
Actions:
Explore ways of engaging high net-worth individuals (and their foundations) to stimulate their interest in astronomy
Potential Stakeholders:
…
Innovative Fundraising
Status / Challenges:
● The field of astronomy should be used for its rather inspiring nature to attract the pockets of wealthy individuals from around the world.
● Leverage technology to raise more funds. An example is using NFT’s (Non Fungible Tokens) to sell exclusive astronomy digital art and other unique products that champion Africa’s role in the larger astronomical community.
● Making use of Crowdfunding, where amature astronomers, enthusiasts and professionals alike can contribute to the effort. This will add a sense of ownership and pride.
Actions:
Explore a suite of innovative ways of fundraising. For example the meeting itself should allow for wealthy individuals to buy their way into cocktail events with world famous astronomers through e.g. sponsoring 10 African students’ attendance; special tours to astronomical facilities for major sponsors; ask invited speakers to fund themselves in order to support more African participants; etc.
Potential Stakeholders:
…
