So…What is the A∆K Foundation and Why is it Needed?

What is the A∆K Foundation and Why is it Needed?

By Sandy Wolfe, Foundation Chairman and Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation, Inc. Board Members

The Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation holds the key to many facets of A∆K’s mission. It is the key that opens opportunities for members, the key that unlocks the heart, that opens minds and is a tool for accomplishing the Foundation’s goals. One of the earliest programs funded by the Foundation was the International Teacher Education (ITE) Program, which provides financial assistance for up to seven outstanding scholars each year, as well as loving and caring support during the recipients’ stays in the USA. The $10,000 in financial assistance is awarded to each of the scholars for housing and living expenses. Scholars may participate in the program for a maximum of two years.

Since its founding in 1983, the Foundation has sponsored numerous educational and charitable programs. Recently, A∆K’s lawyers advised updating and changing the original Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation Trust to a non-profit corporation. The Missouri Secretary of State approved the formation of the new A∆K Foundation, Inc. and new Articles of Incorporation on August 25, 2021. Under the old Foundation Trust, each member of the current International Executive Board was a Trustee. In the new Foundation, Inc. the Board of Directors is composed of three current members of the International Executive Board, three past International Executive Board members, and the A∆K Executive Director. While governance of the Foundation is undergoing changes its work will continue to be as strong as ever.

The Organization and the Foundation

In order to understand the new structure, it is important to understand the roles of the International Chapter and Executive Board and the Foundation. The International Chapter and the International Executive Board serve as governing bodies to provide strategic direction, plan, promote, and carry out the purposes and mission of A∆K. The Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation, Inc. manages the altruistic arm of A∆K, carrying out the charitable and educational purposes of the organization. This includes raising and investing funds as well as distributing funds to scholarships, grants recipients, and selected charities.

Why Do We Still Need Both Bodies?

Both bodies are needed to separate and protect our assets for legal and security concerns. By separating the organization funds from the Foundation funds, neither body is liable as a result of action taken against the other. In addition and, for the same reason, our lawyers have advised us that the Boards for each body should not be identical, as has been our previous practice.

Can Foundation Funds be used to Fill the Financial Gap of our Dwindling Membership?

No. Foundation funds can only be used to support our charitable and educational activities. This includes our scholarships, grants, world understanding projects, international altruistic projects such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Alzheimer’s Association, disaster relief, and more. The Foundation currently distributes nearly $400,000 a year.

Why does the Foundation Need to Continue to Raise Funds?

We have made an ongoing commitment to our members to provide scholarships for their continued professional development. A major component of our mission is altruism. To meet that mission, we must have funds to support those programs that members have selected. Now that the organization has been granted 501(c) (3) status, we may begin to see more fundraising efforts from the organization.

Don’t Our Dues Provide Funds for Our Altruistic Project and Scholarships?

No. Your dues provide the revenue for our operational funds. These funds support the headquarters building including staff salaries, the website, the KAPPAN, and leadership and committee expenses. Scholarships, grants, and other altruistic projects are funded through members’ donations.

How Can I Contribute to the Foundation or the Organization?

Donating is very, very simple. You may donate online at https:// www.alphadeltakappa.org or send your donations to: Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation, 1615 West 92nd St., Kansas City, MO 64114. Make out checks to “Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation.” If you would like to direct your donation toward a specific project, write it on the memo line of the check or note it on your online donation.

In addition to donations to the general fund of the Foundation or the Organization, St. Jude, or Alzheimer’s Association, you may choose to contribute to the following programs: Disaster Relief, Hall of Benefactors, Heritage Society, Honor a Sister, International Leadership Legacy Fund, The International Presidents’ Fund and World Understanding - Project C.H.E.A.R. For more information about the Alpha Delta Kappa Foundation, Inc., please contact any of the Foundation Board Members: Chairman Sandy Wolfe, Vice Chairman Ann Quinlan, Immediate Past International President Judy Ganzert, Four Year IEB Member Kathleen Buligan, PIEBC Ellen Roderick, PIEBC Barbara Stanfield, and A∆K Executive Director Christi Smith. We look forward to seeing you this summer at the A∆K Foundation table at your 2022 Regional Conference.