R. B. Annis Educational Foundation

The R. B. Annis Educational Foundation was founded in 1997. Chuck Angus, Elmira Annis, Dan Yates and Wayne Weber are the current Trustees. Most of the funding decisions in the early years were made by Bob Annis himself. With his death in September 1999, the responsibility was in the hands of the trustees mentioned above.

Bob Annis was a man interested in education above all else, especially the education of young people. Gifts large and small have been made by the Foundation over the past ten years. They are so numerous that all of them cannot be mentioned. Major gifts (those over $100,000) abound but there are many other gifts that are notable, no matter what their value.

Projects and Activities

Some of the major Foundation gifts, many of which are familiar to Scientech members, include:

Annis Water Resources Institute

The Annis Water Resources Institute at Grand Valley State University in Muskegon, MI was established in 1986 in order to preserve, protect and improve natural resources. Its mission is to integrate education, outreach, and research in order to enhance and preserve freshwater resources. It conducts research about biogeochemistry, aquatic ecology, environmental chemistry and toxicology, fisheries biology, hydrology, limnology, microbial ecology, stream ecology, watershed ecology and management, and wetlands ecology. The Information Services center uses state-of-the-art Geographic Information System technology to collect and analyze data, and condense it into useful information for those who make critical decisions about natural resources management. Lastly, it conducts outreach programs to graduate and undergraduate students, K-12 students, policymakers, educators, and the general public.

Indianapolis-Marion County Central Library

The new, highly acclaimed, addition to the Library is a true treasure for the people of Indianapolis. The R.B. Annis Reading Room plays a prominent part of the new section of the Library.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indian and Western Art

The Eiteljorg Museum in Indianapolis was a beneficiary of the Foundation during the 2000 "Eye on the Future" capital campaign. The donation was applied to the construction of a state-of-the-art Technology Center in the new wing of the Museum. The name "R.B.Annis Education Foundation" may be seen on the list of donors under the heading of the Great Plains Society on the wall near the Museum reception area.

In January 2010, the Eiteljorg Museum announced a new major gift from the R.B. Annis Foundation. The $250,000 grant will be used to make the visitor experience more engaging for families with children. The generous gift will be used to fund the upgrades being made to the Family Western Center. This leadership gift is given to the Museum's Project New Moon.

The Eiteljorg Museum's Storyteller magazine highlighted the donation stating that "Robert Annis was a noted scientist, businessman and entrepreneur who, early in his career, worked in film production and photography. He was a seasoned traveler whose travel included the American West and Southwest…"

State Museum Naturalist´s Lab

The new Naturalist´s Lab at the Indiana State Museum is an interactive, user-friendly nature information center that is very educational for youngsters from age 5 to 95. The Museum summarizes the activities of the Lab by saying, "The Naturalist's Lab is a scientific discovery area that promotes an appreciation for and an understanding of the natural world. This is accomplished through rich and diverse displays, hands-on specimens, microscopes, computer interactives, and live demonstrations. Visitors are encouraged to explore and observe, using sight, sound, and touch as they discover the wonders of science and nature. The Naturalist's Lab Host engages visitors in discussion, answers questions, assists with interactives, interprets specimens, and engages visitors in various activities."

Dolphin Pavilion at Indianapolis Zoo

The Dolphin Pavilion at the Indianapolis Zoo is a centerpiece of this excellent sanctuary, one which many people travel quite a distance to visit. Children (and adults) just love the Dolphin Show! The R.B. Annis Educational Foundation donated the Dolphin Interaction Pool at the Zoo.

Interlochen Center for the Arts

The Interlochen Center for the Arts engages and inspires people worldwide through excellence in educational, artistic, and cultural programs, enhancing the quality of life through the universal language of the arts. Its origins date back to 1918 when a girl's recreation camp was opened. It has grown to a 500-student college prep high school, a 2500-student summer arts camp program, two 24-hour listener-supported public radio stations and an adult arts program and classes. In the recent past, a children's earth watch program on Ecology was held in Costa Rica. The Annis Foundation supports the science department at the Center

Jameson Camp, Indianapolis

Jameson Camp is located in the southwestern part of Indianapolis. Beginning in 1928, it has accepted children from ages 7 to 17. Its original purpose was to have city children enjoy some fresh country air in an attempt to avoid Tuberculosis. Children stay for a week, learning to appreciate nature and the environment. They pay for the week-long camp based on a sliding scale according to what they can afford. Goals include teaching children to learn to work with others, respect their differences, and resolve conflicts peacefully.

Campers learn leadership skills, discover new skills, test their limits and develop confidence and self-esteem. The importance of teamwork and respect for other people is a keystone of the curriculum. This 100-acre wooded area on the west side of Indianapolis has tutored disadvantaged children for many years. Up to 800 overnight campers may attend in any one week in the summer. The winter months are used to host school field trips and church retreats.

The Annis Nature and Art Center was donated in 2005. It houses bones, furs and other material that are used for nature demonstration purposes. Various crafts are pursued in this cabin that is used specifically for education by the Camp Naturalist and other staff.

Other Gifts

In recent years the Annis Foundation has also contributed to the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Benjamin Harrison Home, Central Indiana Science Fair, Children's Museum, Coburn Place, Day Nursery of Hendricks County, a mobile Science and Math Center for the Girl Scouts of Hoosier Capitol, Gleaners Food Bank, Good News Ministries, Goodwill, Grand Haven (MI) Area Community Foundation, Historic Landmarks of IN, Indiana Partner for Economic Development, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan School District of Warren Township, Nature Conservancy, Perry Township Educational Foundation, Riley Children's Hospital Foundation, St. Vincent Hospital, Science Education Fund of Indiana, Smithsonian National Museum of American Indian, University of Indianapolis and WFYI.