Giving Back to an Industry that Gives So Much
A Look into the SBCA Foundation & Endowment
By Jennifer Gustafson and Christine Wagner
Exciting things are happening at SBCA every day, all in an effort to better the association and the industry as a whole. Many people have stated that this industry and association have given them so much and they want to be able to give back; now, the SBCA Foundation & Endowment is making that possible. Starting in 2023, the Foundation has thus far raised over $3 million in pledges with $2 million contributed to date.
To learn more about the SBCA Foundation, its programs, efforts, and trustees, or to donate, apply for the Foundation Hardship Grant, or submit an idea/request, visit: https://sbca.foundation.
Operation Finally Home held a special ribbon cutting ceremony for recipient, Army Sgt. Tory Honda, his wife, and kids, in front of their new mortgage-free home in the Bear Tree Farms area of DeForest.
The SBCA Foundation’s mission is to give back to its community through philanthropic avenues to improve housing-related opportunities for the disadvantaged. The goal of the Foundation is to create a sufficiently large endowment that will allow for the Foundation to annually give funds out of income generated from invested funds, allowing the principal to continue growing through ongoing donations.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that is wholly owned by SBCA and enables SBCA chapters, NFC and SBCA events, companies, and individuals to give back to the component manufacturing and framing industry that has given so much to them. Supporters know that their contributions are going to good causes, are being added solely to the Foundation, and are used by the Foundation for its various donations. The Foundation supports: Scholarship Programs and Curriculum Development; Training and Apprenticeship Programs; Housing Related Charities; and Industry Sustainability – learn more about what the Foundation supports at, https://sbca.foundation.
In 2024, the Foundation budgeted $50,000 annually to a gifting program called the SBCA Foundation Hardship Grant. This fund is available to SBCA and NFC Member employees, and their families, who are facing unexpected crises or emergencies. The fund will cover expenses like housing, utilities, medical bills, or other urgent needs during times of hardship, such as job loss, illness, natural disasters, or unexpected expenses. Any full-time employee or immediate family member of an SBCA or NFC Member company is eligible to apply, and if approved, will be given funds on a one-time basis up to $5,000. Nominations are also welcome for the SBCA Foundation Hardship Grant, as some may not know about this program, might not think they qualify, or do not want to apply themselves. The Foundation has made it possible to ensure the help through a nomination process in addition to the application process for the grant.
This year at BCMC 2024 in Milwaukee, WI, the Foundation will be hosting a fundraising dinner at Discovery World (see page 49 for more info), with fundraising activities during the event. With such a successful event and fundraising effort last year for SBCA’s 40th anniversary, the Foundation would like to continue this momentum and raise additional donations.
The SBCA Board of Directors’ commitment to covering all administrative costs of the SBCA Foundation & Endowment ensures all donated funds will go directly to the Foundation for disbursement through the Foundation, allowing maximum contributions to this industry with little burdensome annual overhead.
Thank you to the SBCA Foundation Trustees for their significant contributions at the Charter Member Level of $250,000 ($50,000 for 5 years). The Trustees meet regularly to review applications and discuss potential award opportunities. Their continued support for the betterment and furthering of not only the association and its members, but also the greater construction industry, is both appreciated and necessary to make the organization a success. Their passion and dedication for this effort have been the fuel to drive it forward.
SBCA Foundation Trustees:
Joe Hikel, Shelter Systems Limited
Gene Frogale, Blue Ocean Development
Jack Dermer, American Truss LLC
Barry Dixon, True House Inc.
Rachel Seward, MiTek USA, Inc.
Norm McKenna, Retired
Roger Helgeson, The Truss Company
Don Groom, TrussWorks Operations LLC