AVMF continues to strengthen impact
For the second year in a row, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation has seen a jump in donations, and it also increased the money it awards through grants and scholarships.
The Foundation awarded a total of $1.2 million in programmatic distributions in 2010, according to a recently completed audit. The Pfizer Animal Health Veterinary Student Scholarship Program, one of the single largest sources of veterinary student scholarships, accounted for about half the share at $555,000. Remaining program expenses included $225,000 for disaster relief and response grants, $250,000 for public awareness and education activities, and $100,000 from the AVMA/AVMF pilot Food Animal Recruitment and Retention Program.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Elanco Animal Health, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health, Pfizer Animal Health, and Phibro Animal Health contributed funds to make the FAVRRP possible.
The first five recipients of FAVRRP grants were selected during fall 2010. They will receive $100,00 each at the end of four years (see JAVMA, Nov. 15, 2010, page 1108). These veterinarians are at work in their respective veterinary practices and will be receiving the first installment of their award later in 2011 after completing one year in their qualifying practice.
Overall, AVMF program expenses increased from 58 percent of all expenses in 2009 to 71 percent in 2010. Part of that accomplishment is due to the Foundation distributing indirect program expenses where they belong. For example, public awareness and education now include some of what was formerly labeled indirect program expenses. This move also meant that nonprogram expenses accounted for only 13 percent of the total, down from 24 percent in 2009.
The Foundation, while handing out hundreds of thousands in scholarships and grants, also kept a healthy bottom line. It brought in $1,695,809 in donations, in some measure thanks to partnerships with corporations. That's an increase of $755,681 from the previous year. Total revenue was $2.4 million.
Dr. George W. Bishop, AVMF treasurer, said 2010 was one of the more successful years for the Foundation. He attributed this in part to the addition of new programs such as the Pfizer student scholarship program, FAVRRP, and the Animal Health Network (see JAVMA, June 1, 2011, page 1376).
"During 2010, the AVMF has joined with our many donors and partners and the greater veterinary and animal health industry to be the most responsible ever in our commitment to animal health and wellness," said AVMF Executive Director Michael Cathey. "We acknowledge and recognize all of these who support our important work. We will only continue to be able to accomplish great things and to increase our support of animals with continued, new, and increased-level supporters from all of our constituencies."