2008 Theatre Benefit December 18, 2008 Click for Details

The New York Building Foundation was formed in 1998 to promote the long-term growth and well being of the industry through a program of research, educational and philanthropic activities.

Examining the impact of building on New York's economy, its workforce and residential quality of life.

Highlighting the industry's critical contributions to the City and recognizing its unsung heroes.

Assisting tomorrow's builders through educational and mentoring programs.

Encouraging industry leaders to use their skills, time andresources to make New York City a better place for all.

Philanthropy

The New York Building Foundation was created by construction industry leaders in part to marshal the diverse talents and energies of local firms and trade unions toward projects that give back to the community. Work completed on behalf of Peter’s Place and the Center for the Elimination of Violence in the Family were the first such projects.

World Trade Center Memorial Fund
In response to the tragic attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and the outpouring of offers of support from representatives of the design, construction and real estate industry, the Building Foundation established a World Trade Center Memorial Fund. The Fund raised more than $400,000 from member employees, firms, and other industry colleagues. Most of the donated funds were distributed to surviving family members of building industry workers and uniformed personnel who perished on September 11.

In addition, at the New York Building Congress Remembrance and Recognition Dinner in October of 2001, the Fund awarded checks for $25,000 to the United Firefighters Association’s 911 Fund, the Port Authority Police Department WTC Disaster Fund and the Building Trades Families Relief Fund. Also at the event, a $25,000 check was donated to a fund for the families of fallen New York City Police Officers from Building Foundation Governor Jack Rudin, Co-Chairman of Rudin Management Company, Inc., in memory of his late brother Lewis. A portion of the Fund’s remaining contributions were used for work site memorials given to each of the Building Congress member firms that lost employees in the attack.

Research & Analysis

In seeking to better serve the industry and contribute to public debate on issues concerning design and construction, as well as the City’s economic future, the New York Building Foundation has made research and analysis a major part of its efforts.

Construction Outlook
The Building Foundation and its parent organization, the New York Building Congress, sponsor research and publish periodic reports on construction in New York City. These reports analyze the impact of current design, construction and real estate activity on the
City’s economy and quality of life, and provide valuable forecasts of job creation and construction spending in the years ahead. (more)

Electricity Outlook
The Building Foundation has been a participating sponsor of a series of reports assessing the urgent need for additional electric generation in New York City.

These reports have been influential in educating media, public officials and residents about the growth of New York’s electric usage and have informed and
influenced the City’s official energy policy. (more)

Special Issue Reports
As a partner in various reports prepared to encourage responsible development, coordinate capital investment and to analyze industry trends, the Building Foundation continues its mission to provide tools to industry and political leaders that can help foster progressive, comprehensive planning for New York. Reports recently produced include:

• Building for Growth: A Development Strategy for New York City’s Long-Term Prosperity, which focuses on the City’s availability of land, transportation and communications
  infrastructure, planning and zoning, and the competitive aspects of its economy; and,
• The Capital Question: Financing New York City’s Future Infrastructure, which analyzes all public capital spending in New York, the importance of debt financing to this spending and ways such investments might be better coordinated. (more)

Education

One of the New York Building Foundation’s goals is to support the development of the next generation of industry leaders. This goal is accomplished most directly by the Hennessy Fund, through which the Building Foundation provides opportunities and funding for professional fellowships and student internships within the design, construction and real estate industry. The Building Foundation also sponsors one or more annual scholarships as part of the ACE Mentor Program. In addition, and in partnership with the Building Congress, an ACE scholarship is awarded each year in the name(s) of the recipient(s) of the George A. Fox Public Service Award, given at the New York Building Congress Anniversary Leadership Awards Luncheon.

Contributions

The Building Foundation depends on the support of firms and individuals committed to leveraging the building industry’s talents and vast resources for the betterment of all New Yorkers.

Committment Levels

Governor: Give/get guideline of $10,000 annually

Benefactor: Give/get guideline of $2,500 annually

Friend: Gift of any amount entitles you to receive all Foundation mailings and invitations.