As we close out what has been an exceptional year for CNS and look ahead to 2026, I find myself reflecting on what makes this Society truly special. It isn’t just our mission or our programs—it’s the people. You, our members, are the heartbeat of this organization. Your dedication to advancing child neurology, your commitment to exceptional patient care, and your passion for collaboration fuel everything we do.
Today I’d like to talk to you about something essential to our long-term sustainability: philanthropic giving.
Understanding the Difference: Dues vs. Donations
I know many of you may wonder, “I pay annual membership dues—doesn’t that support the Society?” The answer is yes, and also, not entirely.
Your membership dues are vital. They keep our operations running, fund member services, support our educational offerings, and ensure you have access to resources like the CNS Education Center, webinars, the Annual Meeting, and networking opportunities. Dues allow us to sustain the foundation of what we do.
But philanthropic gifts go further. They allow us to innovate. They enable us to launch new initiatives, expand access to cutting-edge education, support trainees and early-career child neurologists, advocate more powerfully for the field, and respond to emerging challenges in child neurology. Donations help us build for the future, not just maintain the present.
Think of it this way: dues keep the lights on; philanthropy lights the way forward.
— Monique Terrell, Executive Director & CEO
Why Giving Matters Now More Than Ever
The field of child neurology is evolving rapidly. From advances in genomic medicine to the growing need for workforce diversity and support, from new treatment paradigms to the mental health crisis affecting our colleagues and patients, the challenges and opportunities before us require resources beyond what membership dues alone can provide.
Philanthropic support allows CNS to:
- Expand educational programming to meet the needs of members at every career stage
- Support the next generation through scholarships, grants, and mentorship opportunities
- Strengthen advocacy efforts on behalf of children with neurological conditions and the professionals who care for them
- Increase accessibility and inclusion so that all members feel supported and represented
As CNS President Dr. Yasmin Khakoo recently shared with me:
The Child Neurology Society is more than a professional society, it’s a community where child neurologists can find mentorship, collaboration, inspiration, and friendship throughout their careers. Some of you know the feeling of being a unicorn at work, neither pediatrician nor adult neurologist, expected to do the work of both, sometimes without acknowledgment or recognition. I love my job, but when things get tough, CNS and a little time away fill my cup. To truly be the home for all child neurologists, we need to invest in programs that support our members, from training through retirement. While many of you volunteer for the CNS, philanthropic giving allows us to dream bigger, build stronger programs, and ensure that no member and no child we serve is left behind. When our members give, they’re not just supporting an organization; they’re investing in the future of our field.
Many Ways to Give
We’ve made it easier than ever to support CNS. Whether you prefer to give online, by mail, by phone, or through a donor-advised fund (DAF), every contribution (no matter the size) makes a difference.
- Online: Visit www.childneurologysociety.org/calling/giving-back/contribute-online/ or scan the QR code at right to make a secure gift today.
- By Mail: Send your donation to Child Neurology Society, 1915 West Highway 36, Suite 174, Roseville, MN 55113.
- By Phone: Call the National Office at 651-486-9447 to make a gift over the phone.
- Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): If you have a DAF account, you can recommend a grant to CNS directly through your fund.
Every dollar you contribute goes directly toward strengthening our Society and supporting the future of child neurology.
A Call to Action for 2026
As we move into 2026, I hope you will consider supporting CNS with a philanthropic contribution. No matter the size, every gift makes a meaningful difference.
Your gift isn’t just about financial support—it’s about investing in a shared vision. It’s about ensuring that CNS remains a vibrant, welcoming home for all child neurologists and a powerful advocate for the children and families we serve.
A Personal Note
I am deeply grateful to be part of this incredible community. Since joining CNS in 2022, your compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to making children’s lives better continually inspires me. Together, we are building something truly remarkable.
Let’s ensure that this Society, your Society, continues to thrive for generations to come.
Thank you for all you do for CNS and for the children and families we serve.