1. What is the ARMA International Educational Foundation

The ARMA International Educational Foundation (the Foundation) is an education and research funding resource affiliate of ARMA International to be used by individuals and organizations for the advancement of knowledge in the field of Information Management.

For information about ARMA International, visit http://www.arma.org/

For independently verified information about the ARMA International Educational Foundation, visit GuideStar, the National Database of Nonprofit Organizations.

2. Does the Foundation have a vision?

Yes. The vision is to maximize the value of information management and make a positive contribution to the global perception of the information management profession.

3. What are the mission and strategic goals of the Foundation?

The Foundation is a funding resource for individuals and organizations for the advancement of knowledge in the field of information management through research and education. Funding and promotional activities are concentrated in three areas: support for research, educational grants and educational initiatives.

4. How does the Foundation differ from ARMA?

The Foundation is incorporated as a separate, tax-exempt, non-profit corporation and is governed by its own set of bylaws and a Board of Trustees. Although there is no formal membership, the Foundation donors serve as its supporting constituency. The Foundation functions as a resource development and grant-making organization, not an implementing one. For example, the Foundation does not create educational products or training materials for the industry. Working cooperatively with other organizations and educational institutions, the Foundation is able to fund multifaceted educational and research programs and grants.

5. How is the Foundation governed?

A rotating Board of Trustees, currently comprised of nine voting trustees, who are appointed by the Chairman and serve voluntarily and without compensation, governs the Foundation. In addition, the Board of Trustees has appointed three committees: the Development Committee; the Research (Grants, Research & Development) Review Committee and the Investment/Finance Committee. Each committee is comprised of Trustees and ARMA member volunteers.

6. What’s in it for me?

As a Foundation donor and member of the records and information management profession, you are making a long-term investment in your future and the future stability of the records and information management industry. All contributors will reap the global rewards of research, benchmarking studies, and guidelines and standards development. Even without an immediate, personal, specific gain from a donation, donors have the knowledge and satisfaction of making a difference and contributing to the stability of the records and information management profession in the future. This is an important legacy.

7. What is the focus of the Foundation?

Interviews with ARMA members provided strategic input on specific programs and needs which impact the future of the information management profession. From those confidential interviews, the Foundation formulated four initial areas of focus or “initiatives.” The four initiatives are annual benchmarking and trends research surveys; educational guidelines and standards; the Foundation University; and, academic research. Programs within one or more of these initiatives may be candidates for funding consideration.

8. What is the endowment campaign goal?

The current goal is to raise $2.5 million through personal and corporate pledges, which may be paid over a five-year period. Over $400,000 in total personal pledges has already been committed from the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, ARMA’s Board of Directors and the ARMA membership.

9. Why give to the Foundation?

Programs funded by the Foundation will help to secure the future health and stability of our profession. Through the endowment, donated monies will remain intact with only the interest earned by the endowment’s investments used to fund programs. Once gifted, your donation is a permanent income resource—it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Supporting your Foundation is a way to give something back to your profession while leaving a significant legacy for those who come after us. It is a long-term investment in yourself and your profession’s future.

10. Are contributions tax deductible?

Yes, within the United States. The Foundation is incorporated under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code as a non-profit, tax-exempt, research/education foundation. Financial investments and contributions from individuals, companies and foundations are fully tax-deductible as provided by U.S. law. Canadian ARMA members can obtain a tax deduction against U.S. earned income only.

11. If the Foundation is not successful, what happens to the donations I’ve already made?

In the unlikely event this happens, because it is established as a separate legal entity, classified as a 501(c)(3), the money CANNOT be transferred to ARMA International or SII. According to the Foundation bylaws, upon dissolution, all moneys already received into the endowment will be returned to the donors.

12. Are there other ways I can individually contribute to the Foundation besides pledging?

Yes. You can make one-time gifts not linked to a pledge at any time and as often as you would like. You can obtain matching gifts from your employer for one-time gifts (or pledges), make memorial donations or honorariums, establish planned giving gifts through estate planning, investment gifts other than cash (stocks, etc.), and establish the Foundation as an insurance policy beneficiary, etc. If there is a gift you would like to make, the Foundation will work with you for a positive result.

13. How can my company/corporation help?

Many employers will match a charitable contribution to the Foundation, doubling the value of the contribution. Some may enable you to contribute through a payroll deduction.

14. Can a company/corporation make a pledge?

Yes. Direct contributions and pledges from companies, corporations and other organizations are welcome and important to building the endowment. All of the same options for contributions are available to corporate donors. In addition, companies/corporations can make gifts of in-kind services.

15. Do pledges have to be paid all at once?

No. Pledge payments can be made to the Foundation over a five-year period, payable on an annual, semiannual or quarterly basis using a number of payment options. Arrangements specific to your pledge are made confidentially with the Foundation Administrator.

16. How are contributions recognized?

Those investing in the profession through a pledge donation to the Foundation will be recognized according to their wishes. Several forms of public recognition in accordance with the donor’s level of contribution are available.

17. What portion of the donations will be spent on administrative costs to run the Foundation?

The generally accepted cost of operating a non-profit U.S. foundation is 10% to 20% of the interest from the Endowment. Based on this information, the Foundation anticipates that it will follow the generally accepted model for determining costs. Since its inception, because the endowment base is still being built, ARMA International has supported the administrative costs of the Foundation.

18. When can I expect to see programs being funded?

Contributions made to the Foundation Endowment are permanent. Programs will be funded from the interest earned on the invested principle. Therefore, in order to fund programs, the Foundation must first raise money to fund the Endowment, which in turn earns interest with which to issue grants. Implementation of program funding depends largely on the speed of securing pledges, the timely payment on these pledges once secured and the amount of interest earned from the Endowment.

19. How can I get further information on the Foundation?

To learn more about the ARMA International Educational Foundation and how you can become involved and support your profession’s Foundation, contact: www.armaedfoundation.org Preston W. Shimer, MBA Foundation Administrator ARMA International Educational Foundation 1609 Terrie Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15241 pwshimer@comcast.net

The National Database of Nonprofit Organizations