Annual Report 2014
New York Building Foundation
Formed in 1998, the New York Building Foundation complements the work of the Building Congress through a rich program of targeted philanthropy, research, and education activities. The Foundation looks for opportunities to promote the building community's contributions to the region, expand the industry's reach, and support the development of the next generation of industry leaders. The work of the Foundation is made possible by the support of firms and individuals committed to leveraging the building industry's talents and resources for the benefit of all New Yorkers.
Hurricane Sandy Recovery
The Building Foundation has a proven track record of responding quickly and effectively to the industry and City in times of crisis. As a case in point, the Building Foundation established the Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund in November 2012, just days after the storm, and raised more than a quarter of a million dollars to help assist affected families, support selected recovery programs, and sponsor valuable research. In the weeks that followed, the Fund worked to distribute individual grants to employees of Building Congress members who sustained losses as a direct result of the hurricane. The Fund also distributed grants to help rebuild community facilities, provided scholarships to students impacted by the storm, and sponsored Risk & Resiliency After Sandy, a report detailing the findings and recommendations of the Building Congress Task Force on New York City Storm Preparedness.
Education
One of the most meaningful ways the Building Foundation contributes to the industry is by financially supporting existing programs that recruit, educate, mentor, and inspire tomorrow's design, construction, and real estate professionals. The Foundation sponsors several annual scholarships through the ACE Mentor Program and other organizations, while also awarding grants to vocational training programs, such as those provided by Nontraditional Employment for Women and the Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction. The Foundation's Hennessy Fund provides opportunities for professional fellowships and student internships within the design, construction, and real estate industry.
Research and Analysis
From its ongoing collaboration with the Building Congress on the popular New York City Construction Outlook series to the initiation of new reports, such as How to Save New York City's Infrastructure: Dedicate Revenues, the Building Foundation has made research and analysis a central part of its efforts. Foundation publications are widely recognized for their timely, reliable information on issues concerning design, construction, and the City's economic future. They are frequently quoted by public officials, as well as in news articles and editorials published by virtually every daily newspaper in New York City and in leading trade publications.
Construction for a Livable City
Now in its seventh year, Construction for a Livable City (CLC) seeks to improve construction worksite quality and help the industry become a better neighbor. This voluntary program encourages owners and construction managers to maintain clean, efficient worksites that are responsive to area residents and businesses. CLC continues to expand its reach and has enlisted 20 participants with sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
To learn more about the Building Foundation, please visit www.nybuildingfoundation.org.
