Endowment


Since its inception in 2007, the CSA Endowment has consistently received over $20,000 in donations annually. The generous contributions of donors are invested, and the interest is used to fund awards, grants and projects developed and administered by the CSA Board of Directors. The principle of the endowment will not be used for any purpose except in extraordinary circumstances in the face of an imminent financial crisis in which operating funds are not available and the viability of the organization is threatened. The use of the endowment in such circumstances would require a CSA Board of Directors vote.


Your continued assistance has profoundly impacted our organization and our field. As the Board of Directors finds new ways to support its members and recognize their achievements, the CSA Endowment will provide the financial help that is needed to make those ideas a reality.

Celebrate CSA's 50th Anniversary by Donating to the Endowment

2023 is Costume Society of America’s 50th Anniversary, and we invite you to join us in celebrating our past and sustaining our future. By donating $50 for our 50th, you can help CSA reach a goal of $50,000. 


What will that money do? It will help sustain CSA for the future by creating an Endowed Administrator fund to support professional administrative leadership. This leadership is vital to the continued health and vitality of CSA and you can help make sure it happens for years to come. 


Consider giving a gift of $50 to the 50th Anniversary campaign today or recurring gifts in $50 increments! You might even use a gift to honor significant CSA relationships – mentors, students, or in memory of past CSA friends. 


To sweeten the deal, four CSA Fellows have generously agreed to match $5000 for each quarter! Consider donating today. Your gift will be doubled by an anonymous Fellow!

Together, We Can

Donate Online

Click this button to donate online.


You can also complete the CSA Donor Gift to the Endowment form and include it with your check or credit card information. Please note that we can not accept donations from Pennsylvania or Massachusetts. You may donate online or via postal mail.


CSA Endowment

PO Box 852

Columbus, GA 31902-0852


For further information about the CSA Endowment, please contact the Solicitation Manager, Mary Gibson.

Contact Mary Gibson

Your continued assistance has profoundly impacted our organization and our field. As the Board of Directors finds new ways to support its members and recognize their achievements, the CSA Endowment will provide the financial help that is needed to make those ideas a reality.


Contributions can be designated to honor a colleague or as a memorial. The Dress Society honors those giving for a minimum of five continuous years. The 1973 Legacy Society honors those that have included the CSA Endowment in their will.


Click to view the 2021-2022 List of Donors.


Each year and in perpetuity, the CSA Endowment relieves the organization of $22,850.00 in covering all the awards, grants and projects that are not privately funded. These include:


Stella Blum Student Research Grant

Partially funded by endowment since 2013, fully in 2014, increased in 2016 and 2018: $3,000 award + $600 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee

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Betty Kirke Excellence in Research Award

Funded by endowment since 2016, increased in 2018: $750 + $600 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee

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CSA Angels Project

Partially funded by endowment since 2011 and fully in 2015: $2,500

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CSA Costume Design Award

Funded by endowment since 2015,increased in 2018: $750 award + $600 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee

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Adele Filene Student Presenter Grants

Two awards funded by endowment since 2012, increased in 2016 and 2018: $600 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee for each

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Millia Davenport Publications Award

Funded by endowment since 2008, increased in 2015, 2016 and 2018: $750 award + $600 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee

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CSA Travel Research Grant

Funded by endowment since 2015, increased in 2018: $2,100

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Richard Martin Exhibition Awards

Two awards funded by endowment since 2011, increased in 2016 and 2018: $750 large museum + $750 small museum. $600 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee for each

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College and University Collection Care Grant

Funded by endowment since 2014: $1,500

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CSA Howard Vincent Kurtz Emerging Theatre Artist Award

Funded by endowment beginning in 2022: $$500 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee and a two-year student membership in CSA

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Small Museum Collection Care Grant

Funded by endowment since 2015: $1,500

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CSA Entrepreneur Recognition Award

Funded by endowment beginning in 2022: $525 award + $500 travel stipend + day-of-presentation registration fee

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Dependent Care Grant

Funded by endowment since 2018: $225

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Support the Endowment of CSA

Visonary Founder Leader Sustainer Patron Supporter Friend
$5000 and Above Starting at $2000 Starting at $1000 Starting at $500 Starting at $250 Starting at $100 Up to $99
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