Academy of
Prosthodontics Foundation
The Academy of Prosthodontics Foundation (APF) will this year
celebrate the tenth anniversary of its founding. Established in 1990 with the
intent to assist the Academy of Prosthodontics meet the challenge of an
expanding participation in research, education and patient care, the Foundation
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.
