Annual Report 2011

Page 6

The New York Building Foundation was formed in 1998 to complement the work of the Building Congress through a program of targeted philanthropy, research, and educational activities. The Foundation looks for opportunities to promote the industry's contributions to the region, expand its reach, and help prepare for the next generation of growth and innovation.

Education

One of the most important ways the Building Foundation serves the industry is through its financial support of existing programs that recruit, educate, mentor, and inspire tomorrow's design, construction, and real estate professionals. The Building Foundation sponsors several annual scholarships through the ACE Mentor Program and other organizations, supports the educational training activities of the Salvadori Center, and provides funding to vocational training organizations such as Nontraditional Employment for Women and the Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction.

Philanthropy

Past philanthropic efforts by the Foundation include the establishment of a World Trade Center Memorial Fund in response to the tragic attacks on September 11, 2001, which raised more than $400,000. The Building Foundation, together with the Building Congress, also has made contributions totaling $100,000 to the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation/ National September 11 Memorial and Museum. Another ongoing initiative is support for Out2Play, an organization that uses public/private partnerships to provide safe, welcoming play spaces for the City's public elementary school children. Already the Foundation has supported new playgrounds serving communities in Queens and The Bronx.

Research & Analysis

The Foundation makes important contributions to public and economic policy through rigorous research of timely and relevant issues. The Foundation continues its collaboration with the New York Building Congress on the New York City Construction Outlook series. The highlyregarded annual forecast serves as a barometer for the City's economic strength and is quoted frequently by public officials and news organizations. The series was expanded in 2010 to include monthly updates supported by Foundation funding.

The Building Foundation's recent report Construction for a Livable City challenges the industry to consider the impact of construction worksites on the public and offers recommendations to improve the appearance and effect of building sites in an urban environment. The Foundation is following up the report with a pilot program, enlisting developers and contractors to voluntarily implement these recommendations. The intent of this program, influenced by a successful British initiative, is to help develop methods to mitigate the impact of construction projects on area residents and workers and support ways to acknowledge organizations whose worksites are models of efficiency and attractiveness.

Involvement

The New York Building Foundation encourages industry participation in its activities on behalf of the building community. Together with an active Board of Governors, leaders in the building community can support Foundation efforts in a variety of ways.

For more information on the New York Building Foundation, including grant guidelines, visit www.nybuildingfoundation.org or call 212.481.9230 for a copy of the New York Building Foundation 2010-2011 Report.