Advertising Club of New York Foundation Inc

The Advertising Club of New York Foundation Inc., also known as the AD Club Foundation, is a nonprofit organization under the umbrella of The Advertising Club of New York. The Foundation is dedicated to advancing the careers of professionals in the advertising, marketing, and media industries by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mission

The AD Club Foundation aims to empower the industry by attracting, retaining, and training diverse talent. It seeks to create a more inclusive and representative workforce by providing educational resources, networking opportunities, and career development initiatives to professionals at all levels, from students to senior executives.

Programs and Initiatives

• Scholarships and Financial Aid: The Foundation provides scholarships to support rising talent in the advertising industry. These include the ANDY Awards Student Competition, which offers financial support for creative studies, and the ADVERTISING Person of the Year Scholarship for promising high school students.

• Internship Program: The Foundation places students in internships with member agencies to give them hands-on experience in the field. This program focuses on expanding diversity by partnering with diverse educational institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

• Executive Preparation Program: Launched in 2016, this initiative is designed to accelerate the careers of mid-level professionals, particularly women and underrepresented groups, by investing $100,000 annually.

• AD Futures Program: A pitch competition that introduces high school students to advertising careers. Mentors from member agencies work with student teams over several weeks to develop viable advertising campaigns.

• Creative Mentorship: This program provides junior creatives with mentorship opportunities, encouraging them to gain industry insights and become part of the judging process.

• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: The Foundation supports programs like ADCOLOR and ADCOLOR University, providing grants to organizations such as The Marcus Graham Project and Ghetto Film School to enhance diversity in the industry.

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit, the Advertising Club of New York Foundation Inc. relies on contributions and investment income to fund its initiatives. Donations to the organization are tax-deductible. In recent years, the Foundation has received significant contributions, with a majority coming from donations. It also generates revenue through program services and investment income. The Foundation's total assets have been reported to be approximately $1.27 million.

Impact

Since its inception in 1986, the AD Club Foundation has invested over $10 million into promoting diversity and career advancement within the advertising sector. Its programs have established it as a key player in fostering a more inclusive and representative industry.