CASCATRUST

CASCATRUST is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity focused on advancing education and research in astronomy. Established in 1992 by the Canadian Astronomical Society (CASCA), CASCATRUST functions as a charitable trust facilitating support for various educational and research initiatives in the field of astronomy across Canada.

History and Purpose

CASCATRUST was founded with the aim to foster the development and maintenance of astronomy courses within Canadian educational institutions and to provide scholarships and bursaries to individuals pursuing studies or research in astronomy at recognized Canadian institutions. The trust supports a broad mandate including:

• Assisting educational institutions in developing astronomy curricula.
• Offering financial awards such as scholarships and bursaries with criteria determined by the trust.
• Organizing public lectures, seminars, and publication efforts to educate the public about astronomy.
• Preserving and making accessible materials related to the history of astronomy in Canada.
• Supporting exhibits and demonstrations at museums and planetariums to further public instruction in astronomy.

Activities and Impact

Over the years, CASCATRUST has been instrumental in funding a variety of activities aligned with its mission. These include supporting the Hogg and Plaskett awards—prestigious recognitions in Canadian astronomy—as well as providing travel funding for students attending the Canadian Astronomical Society's Annual General Meetings. A notable highlight of its recent work was the support of events and activities related to the International Year of Astronomy.

Legal Status

CASCATRUST operates as a registered charity under Canadian law, holding the Business Registration Number 892673369RR0001. It complies with the regulations of the Canada Revenue Agency, enabling it to issue official tax receipts for donations. The trust is headquartered at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Victoria, British Columbia.

Significance

By enabling financial support for educational programs, research scholarships, and public outreach in astronomy, CASCATRUST plays a vital role in promoting the science of astronomy within Canada. Its contributions aid in nurturing the next generation of astronomers and in cultivating a broader public appreciation for astronomy and space science.

Note: The above summary is based on information publicly available regarding CASCATRUST and its activities as a Canadian registered charity dedicated to advancing astronomy education and research.[1][2][3]