ASAE Research Foundation Annual Impact Report

FY2025 Impact Report

Through the generous support of its donors, the ASAE Research Foundation invests in research that strengthens foresight, elevates effective practices, and reinforces the indispensable role that associations play in their industries, professions, and society. 

Research is at the heart of the Foundation’s purpose, but it is far from the only way the Foundation advances the association community. This report highlights the Foundation’s wide-ranging impact over the past year and the many ways it fuels progress across our profession. 

The Foundation’s mission is clear: “The ASAE Research Foundation transforms the association community through research, scholarships and practical tools critical to our profession.” This charge underscores three essential pillars: producing forward-looking research, cultivating emerging leaders through scholarships and grants, and equipping all association professionals with accessible, actionable resources. 

In Fiscal Year 2025, the Foundation awarded $74,000 in scholarships and grants to individuals across the association sector. These investments are changing lives – opening doors to education, supporting career advancement, and strengthening the pipeline of future association leaders. In the coming year, the Foundation aims to expand its scholarship offerings so even more professionals can access these opportunities. Donor support plays a pivotal role in making this expanded access possible. 

On the research front, the Foundation has had an exceptionally active year. ForesightWorks continues to be a cornerstone resource for leaders navigating an unpredictable future, with more than 470 purchases and downloads this year alone. The Enhancing Neuroinclusive Practices in Associations initiative – developed in partnership with the MPI Foundation – has entered its final phase, with full findings to be shared with both the association and meetings communities in the months ahead. 

The Foundation also launched the groundbreaking Association Innovation Impact Initiative, a first-of-its-kind effort to benchmark and elevate innovation across the association landscape. This initiative includes the Association Innovation Impact Study, which examines how associations are perceived in terms of innovation, as well as the Innovation Concept Challenge, designed to spotlight creative, high-impact ideas from within our community. A formal call for submissions will roll out later this year, culminating in a Shark Tank–style pitch event with live judging and recognition. 

This year also marked continued expansion of the Legacy Society giving circle, offering donors more ways to shape their long-term impact while receiving enhanced benefits. Legacy Society members who commit planned gifts of at least $15,000 help secure the Foundation’s future and leave a lasting imprint on the association profession. 

Behind all of this work is a skilled and passionate team led by Morgan Maravich, vice president of foundation relations. The team includes Andrea Wieters, director of strategic and future-focused research; Kristopher Nabors, senior manager of grants and scholarships; and Rebecca Ayala, foundation operations coordinator. Their commitment drives the Foundation’s mission forward every day. 

And, of course, none of this progress would be possible without the unwavering generosity of the Foundation’s individual and organizational donors. One of the defining strengths of the association community is its instinct to invest in the future of the profession. For your partnership, trust, and support, we are deeply grateful. 

Warm regards,

Our Work By the Numbers

FY2025

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