Altrusa International Foundation, Inc.

Altrusa International Foundation, Inc. is a humanitarian philanthropic organization established in 1962 as the charitable arm of Altrusa International, Inc. The foundation's mission is to empower Altrusans in providing effective local community service programs, focusing on improving economic well-being and quality of life through community services and literacy.

History

Altrusa International, Inc. was founded in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1917 by Dr. Alfred Durham as a chain of national clubs for business and professional women. The organization evolved over time, becoming international in 1935 with the establishment of its first club in Mexico. In 1962, Altrusa International established the Altrusa International Foundation to support community services and literacy initiatives internationally.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the Altrusa International Foundation is to empower and support Altrusans as they serve and strengthen their communities. The vision is to ensure the health and well-being of the global community through service.

Programs and Services

• Literacy Initiatives: Altrusa was the first volunteer service group to adopt literacy as a focus in 1977. The foundation supports literacy programs through grants, such as the ABC Literacy Grants Program, and has assisted over 300 local literacy councils.
• Disaster Relief: The foundation has a Disaster Relief Program that provides immediate financial support to communities affected by natural disasters. This program allows Altrusa Clubs worldwide to address unmet needs following disasters.
• Club 21 Program: Established in 1997, this program provides support for children with HIV and AIDS, among other initiatives.
• Scholarships and Grants: The foundation awards scholarships and grants annually to support healthcare, educational, and economic development projects.

Governance

The Altrusa International Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by the Altrusa membership. It relies on donations from Altrusans worldwide to fund its programs and is also the umbrella agency for over 130 local club foundations.

Financial Impact

Annually, the foundation awards more than $325,000 in grants to support various community initiatives and international agencies. In addition to grant funding, it has distributed significant funds through its Disaster Relief and Club 21 programs. The foundation's Endowment Fund supports its long-term commitment to these initiatives.