2008: A Year in Review

Your AAFP Foundation had a remarkable 2008, thanks to you and your colleagues. Please take a moment to reflect on our recent past successes. Here are a few initiatives and programs we celebrated:

• New seal and look that builds recognition of the Foundation’s work and reflects our relationship with the AAFP and its members.
• Revised mission statement that is more focused and better reflects our vision to improve the health of all people: The American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation advances the values of Family Medicine by promoting humanitarian, educational and scientific initiatives that improve the health of all people.
• Redesigned and user-friendly Web site.
• Launch of the new Annual Fund, the major giving vehicle for continued support of our programs and initiatives.
• Through an anonymous 50th Anniversary Fund donor, the Ruth Ostergaard Children’s Fund was established. This endowed fund will support philanthropic work with children.
  

Through your support, the Foundation experienced strong growth in 2008; individual and corporate donations were up over 2007. Even more importantly, your support enabled the Foundation to fund nearly four million dollars in programs and projects that focus on Humanitarian, Education and Scientific aspects of Family Medicine. Here are a few examples of the 22 programs funded by your AAFP Foundation in 2008:

• Research grant initiative, including Joint Grant Awards Program (JGAP), funded 14 Family Medicine studies.
• Center for International Health Initiatives had 155 participants for its 2008 meeting.
• More than 125 scholarships were provided for residents and students to attend the National Conference.
• Family Medicine Interest Groups were funded at 111 medical schools. Since the virtual FMIG Web site launch it has received 28,251 visits.
• Physicians With Heart in Kyrgyzstan brought much-needed medical supplies and education to the area. The Family Medicine Symposium educated 25 family physicians and 100 medical students in Kyrgyzstan, while the Children’s Project helped over 600 needy children in the region.
• Over 48 Constituent Chapters were involved in the Tar Wars program. Over 100 kids and adults attended the 2008 Tar Wars National Conference and made 65 Capital Hill visits while in D.C.
• Family Medicine Philanthropic Consortium (FMPC) awarded 23 grants to Constituent Chapters and Chapter Foundations.
• Disaster relief aid was provided to victims in Myanmar, China, and at home in Iowa and Texas.
  

With your help, 2009 promises to build on the momentum of our 50th year. Recently, our strength was noted by Charity Navigator, an online resource that evaluates the financial health of charities nationwide. This impressive achievement should instill confidence in our donors that we are good stewards of their money.

In another affirmation, we have been approved as a charity option for federal employees and military through the Combined Federal Campaign. We’re proud to receive both these honors from outside sources.

The 2009 Annual Fund will provide the financial support for the philanthropic work of Family Medicine—those programs listed above as well as new work, such as funding for the Robert Graham Center, the Grant Generating Project which enhances funding for Family Medicine research, and Spanish translation of articles on familydoctor.org. Your donation to the Annual Fund will not only touch lives and Move Family Medicine Forward, but will also secure the legacy of Family Medicine by supporting our endeavors in Humanitarian Works, Scientific Research and Educational Programs.

Please watch for an upcoming mailing or donate online to the Annual Fund. Together we make a difference.