We want to give you an update on a change we have made in funding for the Visions of Exploration Program. Currently AFA chapters that
participate in the program contribute 50% of the funding and AFA HQ contributes the other half. Starting with the September 2009 school year,
we will be asking chapters to contribute 60%; AFA HQ will contribute the remaining 40%. We do not make this change lightly. It was the
subject of spirited discussions among the Aerospace Education Council, the Field Council and the Region Presidents. Let us give you some
background and rationale, as well as provide specific financial impact to chapters.
Last December the Finance Committee presented the proposed 2009 AFA budget to the Executive Committee. As you might expect our projections
for investment income were down significantly – approximately $470,000 less than in 2008. This had a very real impact on our operating budget
for 2009. As a result we implemented some serious belt tightening and solid cost cutting actions. We made a conscious decision not to cut
any of our programs, but we did look at some areas where we could save some money. Visions of Exploration was one of those programs.
The change in HQ versus chapter percentages will save $20,000 in the 2009 budget and will avoid having to cut other programs. It will
increase chapter costs $20 per classroom. Let us give you two examples:
Visions 18 week program:
Currently: $94.50 for renewing chapters/$76 for first time chapters (5 classroom min.) for 30 papers.
Revised Program: $114
Visions 28 week program:
Currently: $100 per chapter classroom for 20 papers.
Revised Program: $120
As stated above the Aerospace Education Council, the Field Council and the Region Presidents all studied and debated this change in some
detail. In the end we concluded that it was the right thing to do under the circumstances. Chapters can adjust to this change in several
ways. One is to make program cuts; another is to shift chapter funds from other programs to make up the difference; another is to solicit
additional funds from local sources; a fourth is to conduct a specific fundraising event for Visions.
We will be glad to answer any specific question you may have or provide additional details.
