Community Association Institute Research Foundation

The Community Association Institute Research Foundation, also known as the Foundation for Community Association Research, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing authoritative research and analysis on community association trends, issues, and operations in the United States. With its inception dating back to 1975, the foundation plays a crucial role in supporting community associations through research-based information[1][2].

Mission

The foundation's mission is to foster successful and sustainable communities by conducting needs-based research and publishing best practices reports on critical topics such as energy efficiency, governance, financial operations, and strategic planning[1][2]. It aims to assist stakeholders, including homeowners, association board members, community managers, developers, and others in addressing specific challenges and emerging issues within community associations[1].

Research Initiatives

The foundation is involved in a variety of research projects designed to enhance community operations and decision-making. Some notable projects include:

• Homeowner Satisfaction Survey: This study focuses on understanding homeowner experiences and satisfaction levels within community associations[2].
• Community Association Manager Compensation and Salary Survey: Provides insights into the compensation and benefits of community association managers to aid in industry development[2].
• Snap Surveys: Offers rapid insights into pressing issues affecting community associations using concise surveys[2].
• Attracting Talent to the Community Association Management Industry: Aims to identify strategies for recruiting professionals into community association management[2].
• Breaking Point: Examining Aging Infrastructure in Community Associations: Examines the challenges and implications of aging infrastructure in community settings[2].
• Creating Harmony in Diverse Communities: Explores strategies for fostering harmony and inclusivity within diverse community associations[2].
• Wired: Survey of Cybersecurity in Community Associations: Investigates cybersecurity challenges and guidelines for community associations[2].

Publications

One of the foundation's key publications is the Community Association Fact Book, which serves as a comprehensive resource for community association data at both national and state levels. The fact book includes detailed statistical reviews, comparisons of condominium and single-family home price trends, and economic contributions of community associations across the United States[3][5].

Scholarships and Historical Data Collection

The foundation supports graduate students through research scholarships, fostering the next generation of researchers. Additionally, it collects historical data on the development, operation, and management of common-interest communities, including analyses of homeowner satisfaction and community manager compensation[1].

Governance and Leadership

As of the last available data, the foundation's governance includes a diverse board of directors made up of professionals from various sectors of the community association industry. This inclusivity ensures that the foundation's initiatives are well-rounded and relevant to the needs of the community association stakeholders[4].