Established in 2001, the RCI-IIBEC Foundation has received more than $4 million in donations. The foundation is committed to using those donations for the benefit of the building enclosure industry.

Through our investments in grant recipients, we seek to increase the scope and type of research conducted for the building enclosure and to create opportunities for the dissemination of information vital to our industry’s growth. Through our scholarship and convention sponsorships, we aim to showcase our profession to a new generation of emerging professionals.

The foundation focuses on financially supporting activities that advance knowledge in the building enclosure industry. These projects include research, educational programs, publications and student scholarships.

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Education

Since 2012, the Foundation has supported sending 320 college students to the Annual IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show, as well as the Building Enclosure Symposium. This fund was renamed in 2021 to honor Joe Hale and his many contributions, providing students the opportunity to participate in IIBEC educational programs. Hale was founder and chairman of the foundation and an advocate for professionalism and growth in our industry.

The foundation has also established two needs-based academic scholarships for college, university and trade school students studying architecture, engineering and building or construction sciences in the US and Canada. Since these programs began, $175,000 in scholarships has been awarded to more than 50 students.

The foundation established the Robert W. Lyons scholarship in 2016 to honor the founder of RCI Inc. (now IIBEC), who spent his career advancing the building enclosure industry while bringing together thousands of like-minded professionals. IIBEC would not be the organization it is today without his countless contributions.

In 2013 the foundation established the RCI Lewis W. Newlan scholarship. Newlan was a longtime supporter of the foundations and a dedicated member of RCI (now IIBEC). After his passing, the foundation board created this fund in his honor and in support of his stated commitment to education in this field.

“The depth and breadth of knowledge I gained from the symposium were immeasurable. Being in the company of experts and pioneers in the field was both humbling and enlightening. I found myself engrossed in the sessions, soaking in every bit of information, and coming out with a renewed passion for the subject. The event not only allowed me to expand my knowledge but also provided a platform to network, share and learn from others.”
 -Tyler Seiwert, Pittsburg State (Kansas), Construction Management Student

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Ways of supporting the RCI-IIBEC Foundation

The RCI-IIBEC Foundation Inc. is funded by individuals and corporate donations. The foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to investing in projects that support research and education for the building enclosure profession, which includes roofing, waterproofing, exterior wall consulting and building commissioning. Contributions to the foundation are tax deductible for individuals and may be deductible as a business expense for corporations. Please consult your tax professional for more information.

First, consider supporting the foundation and its works through monetary donations

Second, bring the board of directors grant requests, ongoing projects or ideas for projects that support the foundation’s mission of advancing research, education and knowledge sharing on issues important to the building enclosure industry.

Third, encourage your network to support and participate in the foundation’s programs, such as student scholarships, educational sponsorships, Giving Tuesday, and participation at the annual golf outing and auction at the IIBEC International Convention and Trade Show.

The foundation has established a charity brokerage account to accept gifts of listed securities and stocks. Another possible way of donating is through a Donor Advised Funds (DAF), where the donor recommends grants to specific charities such as the RCI-IIBEC Foundation. Finally, the foundation now accepts the donation of vehicles, boats and planes.

For more information, please contact RCI-IIBEC Foundation Development Officer Rick Gardner.

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