About the Foundation
What is the IACC Foundation
Welcome to the Italian American Community Center Foundation. By way of introducing you to the Foundation, we will present on this page some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and offer information we believe you will find useful. Of course, if what you are looking for isn’t covered here, please feel free to contact us by email or phone
What is the Italian American Community Center Foundation?
The Italian American Community Foundation was incorporated in 1998 as the Italian American Heritage Foundation, Inc. While that remains the legal name, the Foundation voted to change its operating name to the Italian American Community Center Foundation to better reflect its roots in, and connection with, the IACC organization. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization and is therefor eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. The purpose of the Foundation, evident in its By-laws and Articles of Incorporation, are to promote, enhance, and defend the cultural heritage of the Italian American community through charitable, educational, and/or cultural activities.
How is the Foundation different from the IACC?
Although there are some similarities between the IACC and the IACC Foundation, they exist for different purposes. Both organizations are concerned with the promotion of and education about our Italian heritage and engage in various efforts to benefit the larger community and bring Italian culture to the Albany area. However, the Club has a primary focus on the welfare of its members even though the general community may benefit from Club activities and services.
By contrast, the primary focus of the Foundation is the promotion of our Italian-American heritage to all. Therefore, cultural and education events are open to the general public and the IACC Foundation engages in charitable efforts that expand beyond the IACC Club.
What is the Foundation’s relationship to the Club?
The Club and Foundation are isolated entities. They have separate boards, bank accounts, and By-laws. Therefore, unlike other organizations under the umbrella IACC such as the Women’s League, the IACC Foundation is not subject to the approval of the president of the Club.
Both the IACC and the IACC Foundation have representation on the other organiztaion’s board. When the are elected, the President and Vice-president of the Club automatically become members of the Foundation Board; and the President and Vice-president of the Foundation automatically become members of the Club Board. In this way, each organization remains aware of the other’s current events.
Who are the Foundation’s members?
The Foundation has no members.
Who makes up the Foundation Board, how are they elected and who can be a board member?
The Foundation Board consists of seven to fifteen members including the President and Vice-President of the IACC. The remaining seats are filled with other members that are nominated and elected as new members becomes necessary. The members choose a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President of the IACC is ineligible for the presidency of the Foundation. Members serve for three year terms. Any interested member of the community, whether a member of the Club or not, is eligible to be elected to the board.
What does the Foundation do?
In keeping with its mission, the Foundation runs social and cultural events that further enhance the appreciation of Italian-American culture and heritage. Such events include concerts, film showings, various culture-themed dinners, and the Italian language program. The Foundation made a significant donation to the Children’s Wing of Albany Medical Center which went toward the purchase of a piano. It has also sponsored events such as Carnevale, Friday Nights in the Pavilion, and other gatherings during the summer months.
The Foundation also owns and maintains the Pavilion building adjacent to the Club facility, as well as the parcel of land upon which the Pavilion sits.
How does the Foundation support itself?
The Foundation does not charge any dues; nor is it supported by dues paid to the Club. It supports itself through a series of fund-raising events and activities, through rentals of the Pavilion, as well as by such tax-deductible contributions as it receives.