Find out more about NIA’s Foundation for Education, Training, and Industry Advancement.
Q: Is the Foundation a separate organization from NIA?
A: The Foundation is a standing committee within NIA and not a separate entity. It is led by a steering committee, whose members are appointed by the NIA President, and whose activities are overseen and approved by the NIA Board of Directors. The members of the steering committee represent each NIA industry segment and include:
- Two Associate members;
- Two Distributor, Laminator, and/or Fabricator members;
- Two Contractor members (one Merit/one Union);
- One Industry Consultant;
- The NIA Executive Vice President/CEO; and
- One NIA Staff member.
Q: I see the list of Foundation Supporters promoted on NIA’s website, at meetings, and in various publications. I thought that NIA funded the Foundation?
A: The Foundation is funded primarily through voluntary contributions from more than 50 member companies, regional associations, and industry organizations that support the mission of the Foundation and believe in its ability to advance the industry. (A full list of contributors can be found at www.insulation.org/foundation/supporters.cfm.)
It is important to know that the scope of work that the Foundation operates within is based on the contributions it receives. All activities are prioritized based on funds available and with the oversight of the steering committee, priorities are constantly reviewed and shifted based on funding fluctuations. Other funding sources include an annual contribution from NIA to the Foundation from its operating budget and revenue from NIA’s training programs. In years past, educational programs, data collection, and industry research have been developed or conducted through government appropriated funds. The Foundation is always looking for appropriation opportunities in order to increase available funding for new programs.
Annual contribution levels include:
- Gold Elite—$15,000
- Gold Plus—$10,000
- Gold—$5,000
- Silver—$3,000
- Bronze—$1,000
Q: What programs does the Foundation maintain and develop and who decides on these programs?
A: The programs of the Foundation are discussed and proposed by the Foundation Steering Committee with final approval from the Board of Directors. Programs that are approved are carried out by the staff and consultants and are continuously monitored by the committee and board. The scope of the Foundation’s programs is limited by the annual Foundation budget. All funds received into the Foundation’s budget are only used for Foundation programs and their execution.
The following is a list of programs or resources maintained or developed by the Foundation:
- Insulation Energy Appraisal Program (IEAP);
- National Insulation Training Program (NITP);
- Biennial Industry Measurement Survey;
- Mechanical Insulation Design Guide (MIDG);
- E-Learning Modules, www.nterlearning.org;
- Simple Calculators, www.wbdg.org/design/midg_calculators.php;
- Member/Foundation Contributor resources such as The Power of Insulation brochure and a PowerPoint presentation for members’ use on creating awareness about the value of insulation;
- Legislative programs, including efforts to obtain tax incentives for the increased use of mechanical insulation and appropriations for studies on the benefits and savings related to mechanical insulation;
- Advocating the products and services of its members through participation in energy-related committees, task forces, trade shows, and related industry events;
- Trade show booth materials and exposure opportunities;
- Development of print ads that promote the industry; and
- Support of Insulation Outlook in building the qualified subscriber base.
The following projects are either in progress or are being considered by the Foundation Steering Committee:
- Develop a new Thermal Insulation Inspector Program (TIIP) that will offer mechanical insulation system inspector courses for commercial, industrial, HVAC, and cryogenic applications.
- Research and possibly develop an industry career-recruitment video;
- Engage in additional outreach to facility owners, operations, and engineering personnel;
- Research on awareness opportunities for implementation of proper codes and standards;
- Additional marketing efforts to promote the Mechanical Insulation Design Guide (MIDG), E-Learning Modules, Mechanical Insulation Installation Video Series, and other educational resources;
- Review and update of current insulation industry marketing pieces;
- Research development of apps for the simple calculators; and
- Identify additional strategic partner opportunities with groups such as National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), North American Insulation Manufacturer’s Association (NAIMA), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and others.
Q: If NIA makes a contribution to the Foundation, aren’t some of my company’s dues already included?
A: NIA does contribute funds to the Foundation, but most of these funds are derived from any profits NIA’s programs produce. The vast majority of revenue comes from voluntary contributions, which are necessary to sustain the work of the Foundation in order to benefit the entire industry. Our contributor stakeholders believe that our industry will grow when our external audience is educated on the benefits of insulation. This commitment and forward-thinking stance aligns with the mission of the Foundation and sustains its future.
NIA members are busy with the work of their own companies. By supporting the NIA Foundation with your contribution, you allow us to provide industry awareness and educate the external audience on your behalf at a fraction of the cost compared to your company doing it independently.