The International Dark-Sky Association has announced the new "Dark Skies Forever Campaign," a fundraising effort to establish consistent and perpetual funding, which will protect them against economic fluctuations.

By establishing the fund the organization will minimize time spent fundraising, have dependable income, have the ability to invest in new projects and have a permanent fund administered by a professional management group.

The board of directors has indicated both long and short-term goals for the campaign. In the first three to five years of the campaign the association aims to raise $1 million to establish the endowment.

To meet the long-term funding goals, they hope to secure 20 planned gifts for the endowment, provided by a donor's estate or being named a beneficiary of an IRA fund.

In 2016, more than 75% of their funds went to programming, education and outreach. Majority of the spending was on programs, which cost more than $365,000. Any surpluses are applied to the following year's funds.

The IDA hopes by establishing of the fund, a future with dark skies can be safeguarded for generations to come.