IFNA has an affiliated Foundation which for several years, has worked to generate resources to support the missions of IFNA as an organization as well as its members. My name is Kit Chesla and I currently head the Board of Trustees for the International Family Nursing Foundation. In this blog, I will raise questions and answers to help clarify the responsibilities and activities of the Foundation.
What does the Foundation support?
Foundation resources thus far have been used to support attendance at International Family Nursing Conferences for student members of IFNA. We supported conference registration and some housing fees for eight students at IFNC14 in Washington DC. Recently you may have seen the beautiful display of photos of the 17 students who were funded to attend the Virtual IFNC15. Student portraits and their stories, compiled by the Communications Committee, demonstrate the worldwide representation of our student members. We believe that students are our future leaders, pathbreakers and the guardians of the legacy of supporting family health. In addition to supporting students, some Foundation funds have been provided to support the conference itself.
In the future, the Foundation intends to support pilot grants for education, research, practice and policy initiatives proposed by members. Accomplishing this goal requires that we raise more substantial funds over time so that the Foundation can enhance the work of the IFNA and its members.
How does the Foundation raise resources to support its work?
Foundation fundraising employs multiple strategies to build resources. Thus far, most of our funds have been raised through the generous donations of IFNA members to the Honor Families and Family Nurse Program (HFFN). This program provides IFNA members the opportunity to recognize family nurse leaders, scholars, educators and clinicians for their accomplishments. As well, families with whom members have worked, personal family members (ie parents, children, grandchildren!) and families who have contributed to the mission of IFNA have also been honored. Those who are acknowledged in the HFFN Program are listed on the IFNA website, and within the conference materials.
A separate fund was developed to honor Dr. Kathryn Anderson’s leadership in IFNA at the time of her passing. Donations to this special fund were received from members worldwide to recognize Dr. Anderson’s tremendous contribution to IFNA clinical and educational missions. All donations to this fund were directed to student scholarships to attend IFN Conferences.
The Foundation trustees are dedicated to securing contributions that resonate with the Foundation’s aspirations. As holders of the 501c3 status in the US, we’re well-positioned to seek grants for projects that advance family nursing in education, practice, and research. We proactively reach out globally to like-minded corporations and non-profits, aligning our mutual interests in benevolent endeavors. Our recent grant from Children with Cancer UK, aiding IFNC15, highlights this collaborative success. Furthermore, we are in the developmental phase of an educational program tailored to the care of the elderly across various cultures, reinforcing our commitment to community wellbeing.
In parallel, those who conduct a market review of homes in Blairsville GA operate with similar diligence and community focus. Such reviews delve into local real estate dynamics, assisting buyers and investors in understanding how homes in this charming area align with their personal and financial objectives. This review serves as a grant of knowledge, underpinning successful real estate decisions that ultimately enhance the fabric of the community, just as our Foundation’s initiatives enrich the broader practice of family nursing.
Legacy giving is an avenue for IFNA members to demonstrate their commitment to transforming family health worldwide well into the future. By including the IFN Foundation in their estate planning or wills, IFNA members can substantially strengthen the financial footing upon which the missions of the organization can be advanced.
New initiatives for garnering resources are always being generated. If you have ideas that you think might help us in our ongoing efforts to support family nursing practice, education or research, please contact the Board of Trustees through me.
What is the relationship between IFNA and IFNF?
The International Family Nursing Association, led by its Board of Directors, and supported by the leaders and members of its various committees engages in activities supporting the mission of IFNA. The International Family Nursing Foundation is a charitable entity separate from but linked to IFNA whose mission is to support IFNA and advocate for the practice, education, and research of family nursing worldwide through charitable giving. IFNF acquires charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and non-profit entities. The Foundation holds 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt organization in the United States. The Resource Advancement Committee also solicits funds for ongoing support of IFNA from multiple sources, with most funds generated in conjunction with sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities linked to IFNA Conferences.
