Academy of Prosthodontics Foundation

The Foundation was established in 1990 with the intent to assist the Academy of Prosthodontics meet the challenge of an expanding outreach participation in research, education and patient care.  The Academy of Prosthodontics Foundation (APF) will this year celebrate the twentieth anniversary of its founding and has seen its financial base grow from $2,886.00 to a present endowment of $272,524.00.

Over the period of the last 4 years, during my tenure as Secretary / Treasurer, the Foundation has received $65,000.00 in restricted and unrestricted personal and corporate contributions. The vast majority of these donations have come from the Fellows of the Academy, averaging between $15,000.00 and $18,000.00 in any given year. This continued dedicated support over a period of a decade demonstrates a firm belief in the objectives of the Foundation.

Grants to the Foundation from the Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, the Snyder Foundation and the Indian Health Service have totaled $ 53,000.00 and have been used primarily to finance the Academy?s outreach projects. These projects have proven to be highly successful, and have served to unite clinician, dental manufacturer, laboratory technician and dental student into a productive coalition, providing a much-needed humanitarian service. It has been estimated that the total value of the dental treatment provided to the Native American population by members of the Academy in Juneau, Alaska, for example, approaches $150,000.00. Since the Foundation has generally supported 3 outreach trips each year this translates into a large return on a relatively small investment.

The Foundation has distributed grants in the amount of $55,000.00 to support the Outreach Projects, Student Research and the Annual Meeting of the Academy. The Board of Trustees of the Foundation is aware that as the Foundation grows there will be an increased demand for its financial support from a variety of interests. A significant effort is being made to identify other worthwhile projects.

Foundation funds are invested in a variety of Money Market Accounts, Treasury Bills and Mutual Funds. Interest and dividends from these investments have resulted in a gain of $52,000.00 over the past 4 years. Sound, conservative investment of the $82,000.00 received from the original Research and Education Foundation has seen that initial sum increase to a total of $138,000.00. Interest from that investment easily supports grants for student research without impacting the principal to any great degree.

The accomplishments of the past 10 years would not have possible without the continued support of all Academy Fellows. Their generous contributions in terms of time and financial assistance are to be commended. When next asked to contribute to Foundation activities please reflect on the potential benefits of your contribution to Prosthodontics and Humankind. Also consider the unlimited potential of an endowment of $1,000,000.00 entrusted to the care of dedicated individuals.