The INCOSE Foundation is a charitable organization with the stated goal of advancing the development and image of systems engineering through funded scholarships, research, and international forums. The Foundation received its 501(c) (3) exempt status from the IRS on 30 September 2005. This enables all U.S. donors to claim a charitable deduction on their annual income tax submissions. The Foundation is exploring ways in which non-U.S. contributions can be solicited in ways that benefit individual donors.
The Foundation solicits contributions from individuals, corporations, and other foundations. Informal surveys indicate that more than 80% of members will contribute to the Foundation on a regular basis. Initial fundraising will focus on INCOSE members, chapters, and other internal INCOSE groups. Contributions from outside the “INCOSE family” will also be accepted.
The Foundation is developing an investment strategy and intends to accumulate a corpus that will enable the distribution of income to support scholarships, research, and other initiatives. Although the Foundation encourages unrestricted giving, the Foundation will accept donations earmarked for specific causes (e.g., scholarships) and will distribute funds according to donor instructions. The Foundation intends to begin making awards as soon as the accumulated fund balance reaches a $100,000 benchmark. Initial awards will be modest, but the clear intent is to grow the fund balance into the millions of dollars.
The Foundation is a separate legal entity from INCOSE but both organizations are closely aligned in philosophy, strategic directions, and values. The Foundation has its own separate Board of Directors, several of whom are also elected INCOSE Board members.
Making Contributions
Contributions should be mailed to the following address:
The INCOSE Foundation
2150 North 107th Street
Suite 205
Seattle, Washington 98133-9009
USA
Upon receipt of the donation, every donor will be provided with a letter acknowledging the donation, which can be used to document the contribution as a valid charitable gift, and therefore tax deductible for U.S. donors.
Questions should be directed to the Foundation offices at +1 206-361-6607 (US toll free phone 800-366-1164) or via email at foundation@incose.org .
Current Foundation Goals
The intent is to build the Foundation’s assets and influence to achieve two challenging strategic goals within a five year time table.
- The Foundation will be the authoritative international voice on improving the condition of society through extensive support of Systems Engineering and related disciplines.
- The Foundation will be recognized as the world leader in fostering Systems Engineering scholarship, research and education.
Envisioned Future for the Foundation
The two goals will be realized when the following are common practice, and the Foundation is recognized as a significant catalyst in advancing Systems Engineering as a discipline and a proven approach to solving critical technical and societal challenges.
- Systems Engineering is embraced world wide as an important discipline practiced by universities, industry and government.
- Systems Engineering permeates research and education at all levels.
- The Foundation is recognized as a world class organization that uses its extensive resources to effect change in social and academic domains.
Foundation Core Values
The Foundation will incorporate the following core values in all aspects of operations.
- System(s) perspective
- Service to all of humanity
- Integrity and honesty
- Commitment to knowledge and learning
- Stewardship of contributors’ money
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