Emulating Warren Buffett

Judith Kearney
ASME Foundation

The national press recently gave a lot of coverage to the significant donation Warren Buffett gave to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates themselves receive plenty of attention for their own philanthropy, as well.

But generally, multi-million dollar donations are exceptions. As one recent article pointed out, "You don't have to be as rich as Warren Buffett to give away your money."

By supporting the ASME Foundation with a gift — large or small — you can help make a difference and support the Society's many activities and the profession of mechanical engineering in general.

The ASME Foundation was formed in 1986 to promote the art, science and practice of mechanical engineering and the allied arts and sciences. Currently, the Foundation has funded proposals from within the Society in four areas: 1) Industry-focused engineering student and early career engineer development; 2) product and marketing enhancement of the ASME professional practice curriculum; 3) engineering faculty development; and 4) the Federal Government Fellowship Program.

Additionally, the Foundation has awarded $142,500 in college scholarships, and supported the ASME Honors Program with awards recognizing excellence in the field of engineering.

There are a variety of ways you can give to the Foundation and help continue supporting scholarships, honors, and other programs. Gifts can be made on-line, by phone, or by mail. Check to see if your employer matches gifts, or makes contributions based on volunteer service provided by employees. (Some offer these courtesies even to retired employees.)

Perhaps you have reached a point in your life when your concerns are with planning your estate. The Foundation staff can help you decide if a planned gift would be a beneficial step for you to take and support ASME while creating a tax benefit and perhaps even a lifetime income stream for you or your loved ones.

You can join Buffett and Gates as they strive to make the world a better place for all. Giving to the ASME Foundation is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the world by furthering the profession of mechanical engineering and the far-reaching work of ASME.

For more information on the ASME Foundation and how you can help, contact Judith Kearney, director of Development, at (212) 591-7445, e-mail kearneyj@asme.org, or check out our website www.foundation.asme.org.

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