Many of you are familiar with the fact that the Flight Safety Foundation has been around for more than 65 years. You also are aware of the work that the Foundation does on a daily basis to pursue its ever-important mission of being the leading voice of aviation safety around the world. You read AeroSafety World, you see us in the media, you do research on our website, use our tool kits, etc. All of these items do not come without a cost to the Foundation. Like so many non-profit organizations, we depend heavily on our membership dues to fund our safety efforts. We value and appreciate each member and the support that each member gives to us. In spite of that, membership dues are not always enough to keep our projects and efforts going, especially during the challenging economic times we are facing today.
At a time of constrained resources, increased regulation and unprecedented scrutiny, the aviation industry’s survival depends on safe operations. Practices for safe operations are researched, initiated and actively publicized and distributed by the Flight Safety Foundation. However, there is always more to be done. This job is never complete. The Foundation will always be needed in good economic times, but even more so during the downturns. In turn, we will always need support in order to do our work.
The Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, which in the United States simply means that we are recognized as a charitable organization and we are able to receive tax-deductible donations from companies and individuals around the globe. It is not uncommon for charities large and small to hold fund-raising drives and events to help sustain the organization, thereby keeping the core activities going.
For this reason, we are kicking off the FSF summer fund-raising drive, highlighting the words and works of the late Jerry Lederer, the founder of the Foundation. Over the next few weeks, you will be seeing interesting facts and quotes from Jerry Lederer, as well as projects and products that the Foundation has had a hand in developing, both past and present. Check out our blog for our new feature “Jerry Lederer Says …” as our founder talks about safety and the Flight Safety Foundation. You will also see his comments on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
We will be reaching out to members and non-members alike. We will always include a link to the donation page of the FSF website, so that anyone who wants to is able to donate to our cause.
The drive will culminate in the FSF Inaugural Benefit dinner at the National Press Club in August in Washington. This dinner will be held to recognize the accomplishments of the Foundation’s past and honor Jerry Lederer, as well as showcase the current and future endeavors. We also hope to raise momentum to move into the future.
The Flight Safety Foundation has recently had to adjust some of its current practices from the way things have been done in the past to the way it does business now. It is essential that we change with the times, so that we can continue to be the impartial, independent voice of aviation safety, as we are known around the world. A fund-raising drive is a new change, and a necessary addition to our business practice at this time. We want to create a new path to keep the Foundation’s legacy moving forward into the next 65 years and beyond. We hope that we can count on your support.