CSEG Foundation

CSEG Foundation

The CSEG Foundation is the registered charitable arm of the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG). Our mission is to encourage and support scientific, educational and charitable activities that benefit geophysicists through the solicitation of contributions aimed at promoting the development of geophysical knowledge, education and public awareness. Based in Calgary, we are a Canadian foundation with initiatives all across Canada.

Our activities are intended to supplement and support other CSEG committees by creating and increasing the Foundation's endowments in order to:

  • Establish programs supporting education in geophysics and the earth sciences;
  • Support post-secondary education in geophysics and the earth sciences, including the CSEG scholarship programs;
  • Support continuing education of geophysicists;
  • Support scientific activities and academic research programs;
  • Support the development and improvement of geophysical methods;
  • Liaise with other geophysical foundations throughout the world (e.g. SEG Foundation)
  • Support the preservation of the history of geophysical exploration.

The activities of the CSEG Foundation are carried out by dedicated volunteer CSEG members. Across Canada, the CSEG has a membership of 2000, which includes a student membership of 300. Its aim is to promote the science of geophysics as well as fellowship and cooperation among members.

The inspiration to form the CSEG Foundation and raise funds to support these activities come from the CSEG members' strong commitment to their profession and desire to create awareness and support study of the science of geophysics.

The CSEG Foundation operates the following programs:

  • The academic Scholarship program, established over 30 years ago, which awards up to $40,000 per year in scholarships to deserving geoscience students in universities across Canada. It is being extended to include students in post-secondary technical institutes.
  • The national CSEG Canadian Distinguished Lecture Tour, an annual event that started in 2005. Many post-secondary Geoscience departments across Canada host an industry or academic expert who delivers a presentation highlighting topics of current interest.
  • Outreach programs, including:
    • The Schools and Public Outreach, offering information to students and the public at schools, career fairs and events across Canada.
    • Earth Science for Society, an annual three day, free exhibition with hands-on geoscience activities for the public and junior high school students.
    • Seismic in Motion for Students, a joint CAGC/CSEG program that takes high school students and industry personnel to see seismic field operations.
    • The Ambassador program, where CSEG volunteers host and coordinate events for Geoscientists across Canada.
    • The Challenge Bowl competition for post-secondary students, held each year in Calgary and Atlantic Canada. The Foundation sponsors the Canadian winners' attendance at the International Challenge Bowl final.
    • The University Student Outreach program, which provides training, networking, and mentoring opportunities for students, supports post-secondary geoscience conferences, and assists with student membership fees.
  • The Travel Grant and Learning Subsidy program, to help CSEG members develop their professional geoscience knowledge or skills by supporting educational opportunities. Many post-secondary student members have received funds to travel to national or international Geoscience conferences.

The Future

The CSEG Foundation is embarking on a fundraising campaign to increase its assets by $3,000,000 in support of academic Scholarships, the Canadian Distinguished Lecture Tour, Outreach, and Travel Grants and Learning Subsidies. Thanks to the generous donation of $250,000 from the CSEG Executive in Q2 2012, we have reached the $1,000,000 mark!

Support the CSEG Foundation, either personally or through your company. Contact the CSEG office at (403) 262-0015 or cseg.office@shaw.ca for more information.

Donate online here:

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

Download the printable donation form here:

CSEG Foundation Donation Form (PDF)

 

Foundation Funding

Scholarships
For Scholarship information, please click here.

Travel Grant & Learning Subsidy
Funding requests will be reviewed three times a year. Requests must be received before the 1st of February, 1st of June, or 1st of October.

Submit Travel Grant and Learning Subsidy applications to foundationfunding@cseg.ca.

Canadian Distinguished Lecture (CDL) Tour
For CDL information, please click here.

Outreach
For general Outreach information, please click here.

The CSEG Foundation Board

  • Perry Kotkas,
    Chair
  • Neil Rutherford,
    Treasurer
  • Laurie Ross,
    Secretary
  • Brian Russell,
    Fundraising Co-chair
  • John Boyd,
    Fundraising Co-chair
  • Annette Milbradt,
    Director at large
  • Matthew Klukas,
    Scholarship Chair
  • Sarah Cutten,
    Sr. Scholarship Trustee
  • Marc Boulet,
    Jr. Scholarship Trustee
  • Ron Larson, CSEG Vice-President,
    Director, CSEG Executive
 

Audited Financial Statements

 

CSEG Annual Report to Members