Íæż½ã½ã members believe strongly in giving back to the industry that has given them so much. At Íæż½ã½ã of America, two organizations have formed to carry out this goal, Íæż½ã½ã Charities and the Íæż½ã½ã Education and Research Foundation. Both 501(c)3 organizations are governed by Íæż½ã½ã members who volunteer their time, raise tax-deductible contributions from members to fund their charitable works.
Íæż½ã½ã Chapters across the country also support philanthropic work in their own communities. Many have scholarship programs focusing on schools and students in their areas. In addition, they perform other community services through their members. For more information on this work, find a Chapter in your area.
Íæż½ã½ã Charities, Inc. was established in 2008 as a charitable organization to carry out the charitable activities of Íæż½ã½ã of America and operates exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes. Íæż½ã½ã Charities promotes and supports the national charitable initiative Operation Opening Doors, a program designed to provide home remodeling services to soldiers and veterans who have suffered disabling wounds while serving in the US Armed Forces. Also, the charitable group provides assistance to construction craft workers or other construction professionals who fall victim to natural or other catastrophes, and to the families of such professionals is also an important duty to Íæż½ã½ã Charities. Recent examples of such catastrophes include Hurricane Katrina and the 9/11 attacks on New York City and the Pentagon.
Íæż½ã½ã EDUCATION AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION
Established in 1968, the Íæż½ã½ã Education and Research Foundation awards scholarships to construction management and engineering students to help with the ever-rising cost of college tuition. The Foundation also recognizes an Outstanding Educator and notable James L. Allhands student essay through its awards programs. In addition, the Foundation supports research that supports its mission of furthering industry goals. Two of the research initiatives started by the Foundation include the Faculty Internship and Industry Case Study programs.