AAO-HNS Foundation

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Where Dues Stop and Philanthropy Begins

Funding research opportunities, humanitarian and international programs, and improving quality and patient care outcomes that would not otherwise be possible.

Ensuring the future of the specialty through endowed lectures, research grants, International Visiting Scholarships (IVS), and humanitarian grants as well as providing opportunities specific to residents, young physicians, women, and promoting diversity of the specialty.

The AAO-HNS foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Academy.

WHO are our AAO-HNS foundation Donors?

Our donors are the building blocks of the AAO-HNS foundation and play a critical role in ensuring the stability of the specialty today and the advancement of the specialty for generations to come.

WHY Donate to the foundation?

Ten ways your donation will be used today and tomorrow. By donating to the AAO-HNS foundation, you are supporting your specialty.

HOW can you Donate to the foundation?

Support the AAO-HNS foundation today by donating to the Annual Fund. Support the future of the specialty by donating to the Hal Foster, MD Endowment.

WHAT is the Millennium Society?

Millennium Society donors receive exclusive benefits with a $1,000 donation to the Annual Fund or with a $5,000 donation to the Hal Foster, MD Endowment.

Contribute to the foundation

“I’ve always felt that we weren’t put on this earth just to be takers. We need to be givers. And for the success of our organization, I felt it was my responsibility to contribute back, because I’ve had so much given to me through the organization.”

Thomas B. Logan, MD

Additional Giving Information

The Hal Foster, MD Endowment enables the AAO-HNS foundation to secure stable, ongoing funding to sustain excellence in the specialty for generations to come. Endowment donations are invested to generate earnings which support the foundation‘s on-going programs and initiatives over the long-term.

You may make a charitable gift donation to the Hal Foster, MD General Endowment or the David Nielsen, MD Endowment where funding will be used where needed most. You may also choose to make a charitable gift to one of the foundation’s directed endowments. For a listing of directed endowments please click here.

Carrie L. Hanlon, Senior Director, Financial Operations & Development, AAO-HNS/F

Questions or need assistance, please contact the Development Staff at 703-535-3775 or email at [email protected].

Ensuring the AAO-HNSF raises the funds needed to complement our existing programs is a major component of shaping the specialty’s next 125 years and beyond. The 125 Strong Campaign was a fundraising effort designed and driven by practicing otolaryngologists and provided funds for programs for otolaryngologists locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACADEMY AND THE FOUNDATION

  • The foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Academy.
  • We like to say it’s “Where dues stop and philanthropy begins.”

WHY SHOULD I DONATE TO THE FOUNDATION SINCE I’M ALREADY PAYING THE ACADEMY MEMBERSHIP DUES?

  • Dues and fees pay for member benefits such as the Bulletin, representation on Capitol Hill, reimbursements issues, home study course, networking opportunities and annual meeting.
  • Donations make possible things such as:
    • Research grants
    • Humanitarian and International Outreach
    • Guideline and measures development
    • International Visiting Scholarships
    • Endowed lectures and opportunities specific to residents, young physicians and women

WHAT ARE THE WAYS I CAN MAKE A DONATION TO THE FOUNDATION?

  • There are two ways to make a donation. You can contribute to the Annual Fund or to the Hal Foster, MD Endowment.
  • Donations to the Annual Fund are used to support the foundation’s current programs and initiatives in the year received.
  • Donations to the Hal Foster, MD Endowment are invested to generate earnings in support of the foundation’s on-going programs and initiatives over the long term that ensure the future of the specialty.

WHEN I MAKE A DONATION TO THE ANNUAL FUND CAN I SELECT WHERE IT GOES?

  • Donations made to the Annual Fund are used where needed most within that calendar year donation is received.

WHAT IS THE LEGENDS OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY?  

  • The Legends of Otolaryngology is a new fundraising program in support of the Annual Fund that honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of Otolaryngology.
  • The purpose of the program is to highlight how legendary Otolaryngologists have served the public and specialty and encourage those who have been touched by them to give back to the specialty in their honor.
  • Each year a new honoree legend will be selected by the Development Committee.
  • FY2016-2017 honoree legend is M. Eugene Tardy, Jr. MD.

HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION TO THE ANNUAL FUND IN HONOR OF DR. TARDY?

  • Go to AAO-HNSF website and click donate. Then select “Legends of Otolaryngology” and either select the amount you wish to donate or enter in an amount. Your name will appear on Dr. Tardy’s web page as a contributor in his honor.

WHEN I MAKE A DONATION TO THE HAL FOSTER, MD ENDOWMENT CAN I SELECT A SPECIFIC ENDOWMENT?

  • The short answer is yes!
  • When making a donation, you can either select the General Endowment or select a directed (named) endowment.

WHAT’S THE MILLENNIUM SOCIETY?

  • The Millennium Society is a donor recognition club for donors who have made a significant contribution to the foundation.
  • You automatically become part of the Millennium Society if you make a donation of at least $1,000 to the Annual Fund OR make a pledge of at least $5,000 to the Hal Foster, MD Endowment. Residents can get the same benefits for a donation of just $250.
  • Millennium Society members receive EXCLUSIVE benefits (the foundation’s way of thanking its donors for their generous contributions). Learn more about Millennium Society’s exclusive benefits.

WHAT IF I WANT TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE HAL FOSTER, MD ENDOWMENT AND IT’S LESS THAN $5,000?

  • You can make a donation of any amount to the Hal Foster, MD Endowment and/or the directed endowments. There isn’t a required amount. However, you will not become part of the Millennium Society and receive the exclusive benefits unless you have made a pledge of at least $5,000.

CAN I MAKE A DONATION IN ANY AMOUNT?

  • Of course, a donation in any amount is appreciated.
  • Again, if you want to become part of the Millennium Society you must meet required donation levels.

HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION?

  • When renewing your membership, select….
  • Visit the AAO-HNSF website and click on the donate button.
  • Contact the Development Staff at the Academy at 703-535-3775 or send an email to [email protected].

WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR IF I NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?

Planned Giving – Bequests

Planned giving provides you with a way to make a significant charitable gift and in creating a permanent legacy, ensuring the future of the specialty for generations to come.

Humanitarian Efforts

Humanitarian work can be a refreshing change from the frustrations of clinical practice and can be intensely rewarding. It can help to remind us of our motivation for choosing medicine as our life’s work.

International Programs

International outreach, worldwide partnerships, and the exchange of information and education are important aims of the Academy and its Foundation.

AAO-HNSF 2024 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Registration Opens Mid-MayLearn More