Letter from the

Foundation Chair, Randy Pennington, CSP

The Foundation is doing great things. Over the past 24 months, it has:

• Provided scholarships for 12 college students;
• Recognized four outstanding professors in the area of communications;
• Provided funding for communication projects with two national charities;
• Conducted a research project to study what makes a speakers demo video effective with those who hire speakers;
• Provided more than $170,000 in financial aid to fellow NSA members affected by Hurricane Katrina;
• Provided nearly $90,000 to fellow NSA members affected by tragedies and unexpected illnesses.

The NSA Foundation is the only foundation dedicated solely to our profession. The Foundation funds research, develops future members and helps current members during catastrophic events. It funds all of its programs from the interest earned on a $2 million endowment. This endowment is a testament to the hard work of our Chairman Emeritus Nido Qubein, CSP, CPAE and the committed group of Trustees and volunteers who established and grew the Foundation.

Major Gifts Campaign

To meet future needs, the Board of Trustees recognizes the need to increase the current endowment. At the 2007 NSA Convention in San Diego, the Major Gifts Campaign was launched with a goal of adding $1 million dollars to the portion of the endowment that supports the Professional Speakers Benefit Fund (PSBF).

The PSBF was established to assist NSA members during catastrophic times, such as natural disasters and illness. Each year, a group of NSA volunteers, led by NSA Past President Al Walker, CSP, CPAE, reviews individual requests and determines the amount of assistance we can provide. The reality is there are more requests than available funds.

As you begin your year-end financial planning, I am asking you to consider a pledge of $1,000 - $2,000 per year over the next five years. If a pledge doesn't fit with your current giving plans, consider a one-time gift. These funds will be specifically directed to the PSBF and will help your fellow members in need.

New Friend of the Foundation: Speakers Roundtable

Mastermind group Speakers Roundtable has agreed to make a donation of $11,500 this year, in addition to any individual commitments its members have made. This invitation-only mastermind group includes 18 National Speakers Association Speakers Hall of Fame members, 18 NSA Certified Speaking Professionals, nine NSA Cavett Award winners, nine NSA Past Presidents, one Past President of the International Federation for Professional Speakers (IFFPS) and the current President of IFFPS. This is an excellent example of how groups can band together to help the NSA Foundation. We encourage other mastermind or networking groups to do the same.

Foundation Fundraising Report as of September 30, 2007

To make a pledge to the NSA Foundation's PSBF Major Gifts Campaign, please return the completed pledge card to 1500 S. Priest Dr. Tempe, AZ 85281 or call NSA Headquarters at 480-968-2552. Please call NSA Headquarters or visit our secure web site if you would like to make a donation today.