Impact Report FY 2024

Through the generous support of its donors, the ASAE Research Foundation sponsors and conducts research in a wide range of areas that empowers foresight, defines effective practices and sustains associations’ value to their industries, professions and society at large.

While research is central to the Foundation’s purpose, it’s not the only way the Foundation advances the work of associations. The following report reflects the broad, positive impact of the ASAE Research Foundation over the past year on the association community.

The Foundation’s mission statement is, “The ASAE Research Foundation transforms the association community through research, scholarships and practical tools critical to our profession.”

This statement clarifies that the Research Foundation has three vital functions: research, of course, is key, but it also exists to advance the development and careers of our future talent pipeline via scholarships and grants and provide resources that all of us can use.

Over the course of Fiscal Year 2024, the Foundation distributed $48,000 in scholarships and $15,000 in grant monies to deserving individuals in our association community. We’re proud of the ways the Foundation is changing lives and helping to mold the futures of ambitious, career-focused association professionals, especially with this year’s launch of the Future Leaders Professional Development Scholarship, which supports the career advancement of emerging leaders in our field. This coming year, we will work to increase our scholarship programs to allow greater access to our learning opportunities. As a donor, you can contribute to the future of these professionals and their workforce development through these restricted funds.

The Foundation has also been extremely active on the research front over the past year. One of the most exciting developments has been the introduction of five new Drivers of Change through ForesightWorks. These Drivers help us stay ahead of the curve by giving association leaders the insights they need to anticipate change and navigate the future.

Another highlight this year has been the start of the project work on the 7 Measures of Success initiative, which is pivotal for association leaders aiming to drive transformative change and enhance the impact and effectiveness of their organizations. This work builds on the foundational research conducted in 2006, aiming to refresh and prioritize the 7 Measures of Success for today's context and the future. By building on past research, hosting gatherings of association professionals, prioritizing current needs, and fostering a community of change leaders, the Foundation aims to create a lasting impact on the effectiveness of associations.

This year brought about an expanded Legacy Society giving circle, allowing donors to tailor their legacy gifts for even greater impact with more impactful benefits. Legacy Society donors are a special group of individuals who have pledged planned gifts of at least $15,000, ensuring the future and leaving their legacy with the association community.

Helping to manage the Foundation’s important work is a talented and dedicated staff team led by Morgan Maravich, vice president of foundation relations. The team also includes Andrea Wieters, director, strategic and future focused research; Kristopher Nabors, senior manager, grants and scholarships; Travis Major, manager, development operations and donor relations; and Rebecca Ayala, foundation operations coordinator.

Of course, none of the Foundation’s important work is possible without the generosity of its individual and organizational donors. An amazing attribute of the association community is its willingness to invest in the future of the profession. For enabling the vital work of the ASAE Research Foundation, we are immensely grateful.

Warm regards,