ACT to Establish Foundation

October 20, 2009

Iowa City, IA—On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, the ACT Board of Directors last night announced plans to establish a new supporting organization, the ACT Foundation. When operational, the ACT Foundation will support ACT's mission—helping people achieve education and workplace success—by facilitating and funding initiatives aimed at enhancing and enriching that mission.

The Foundation's organizational phase will be completed in 2010. ACT's Board of Directors has allocated funds for the organizational phase and will allocate funds sufficient for the foundation to carry out its purpose.

"The ACT Foundation will focus initially on projects aimed at increasing college and career readiness among underrepresented groups; informing decisions about education and workforce development policies and practices at local, state, and national levels; and sponsoring programs to recognize and disseminate effective education and workforce development practices," said Mark Musick, Lead Director on the ACT Board.

"It's our intent that the ACT Foundation work collaboratively with other foundations and organizations that share our passion for helping individuals prepare themselves for and succeed in education and work," said Richard Ferguson, ACT Board Chairman and CEO. "Our intent is to identify and fund projects that hold promise for preparing students for success in school and college and enabling individuals of all ages to have good jobs and lead productive and happy lives."

A grant-making process is being developed to establish funding priorities and operating procedures. Foundation staff will solicit proposals for projects aligned with its mission and priorities.