FOUNDATION NEWS By Kelli Nienaber and Chelsea Neil Four Top Reasons to Invest in the Foundation B Future,” the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation focuses on the development of in-depth, independent research and resources for the advancement of equipment fi nance industry knowledge. Investing in the Foundation is one of the best business decisions you can make. It is the most convenient and cost-eff ective way to access information critical to your company’s future and the future of the industry. Here are four big reasons you should consider making a contribution this year: USINESS LEADERS REQUIRE actionable forward-looking intelligence to make strategic decisions. As “Your Eye on the ACCESS TO RESEARCH and RESOURCES Th e Foundation is your source for the most comprehensive, future-focused research and analyses of equipment fi nance industry topics that will enable your best informed decision making. Th e following highly regarded, widely utilized resources are must-reads for equipment fi nance industry professionals: ● ● Equipment ACADEMIC OUTREACH For over 25 years the Foundation has worked closely with the academic community to foster initiatives that drive innovation in the equipment fi nance industry. Examples include funding research grants and authorship honorariums, supporting case study development and teaching modules and providing access to statistical databases and other Foundation resources. Leasing and Finance U.S. Economic Outlook Report series Momentum Monitors Future Council Report Confi dence Index ● ● Foundation-Keybridge ● ● Industry ● ● State of the Equipment Finance Industry Report of Equipment Lease Financing INVOLVEMENT Being a donor is a great way to get involved with the Foundation’s work and to network with a broad community of industry thought leaders. We off er volunteer, peer review and publishing opportunities for subject matter experts who wish to contribute to the industry’s body of knowledge. ● ● Monthly ● ● Journal ● ● Industry studies on such topics as lender fi nance, applied economics, managed solutions, securitizations, electronic documents and more! DONOR BENEFITS Th e resources and benefi ts provided by the Foundation are exceeded only by the opportunities available to Foundation donors. Benefi ts include— ● ● Early preview of studies: It would cost a company hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce only a few of the Foundation’s various reports. Gift s of any size are welcome, but please note that a minimum donation level of $500 for individuals or $2,500 for organizations will entitle you to receive new studies delivered in advance of wide public release. ● ● Recognition as an industry leader: We look forward to recognizing our valued donors online, in print and at several ELFA conferences and events, including the Foundation Luncheon held each year at ELFA’s Annual Convention. Th e spotlight will be on you and your company’s role in supporting the equipment fi nance industry. ● ● Tax benefi ts: As we are the only 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the betterment of the equipment fi nance industry, your individual and corporate charitable contributions are 100% tax-deductible. GIVING A GIFT MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE FOUNDATION is one of the smartest things you can do as a business leader in the equipment fi nance industry. Donors gain insightful business knowledge by having access to the latest industry data and research before it is available to the public. Make your 100% tax deductible gift by August 30, 2016, to ensure that you are properly recognized at ELFA’s Annual Convention in October. www.leasefoundation.org/giving/online.cfm Kelli Nienaber is Executive Director of the Foundation and Chelsea Neil is Program Assistant for the Foundation. 46 JULY/AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 EQUIPMENT LEASING & FINANCE MAGAZINE