About Us

Founded in 1994 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the ASCE Foundation has inspired a generous spirit of giving in support of our vision to build a better world. The ASCE Foundation organization was dissolved as of May 31, 2022, and its remaining assets were transferred to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), its affiliated organization. The Foundation's fundraising activities continue to operate within ASCE, a 501(c)(3) organization, to raise funds to support ASCE programs.

The Foundation was established to own and operate ASCE’s headquarters building, raising more than $4 million during its first campaign to purchase and renovate the office building in Reston, Virginia. Since then, the Foundation has gone far beyond that initial activity, raising more than $45 million for special projects and programs for ASCE and the profession.

In 2022, the Foundation combined our corporate operations with ASCE to optimize and elevate philanthropy throughout the Society. Continuing to operate as the Society’s fundraising apparatus and under the same name, this change was done to streamline Foundation operations with that of ASCE programs and operations while continuing to ensure that 100% of donors’ gifts continue to support vital programs.

The Foundation provides philanthropic support for four focus areas of ASCE programs: Student Activities, Education, Leadership, and Engineering Programs. These focus areas include activities like the ASCE Concrete Canoe Competition+, Younger Member Leadership Symposium, ExCEEd Teaching workshops, and Multi-Region Leadership Conferences.

The Foundation also supports special initiatives and programs like the Sustainable Infrastructure Initiatives, the ASCE HQ sustainable parking lot project, and provides funding for technical specialty programs like the SEI Futures Fund, CI Student Days, and AEI International Student Design Competition. 

ASCE Foundation is led by the Foundation Board and governed by the Foundation Bylaws.

Our Vision

The ASCE Foundation provides support for ASCE programs that enhance quality of life, promote the profession, advance technical practices, and prepare civil engineers for tomorrow.

Our Mission

The ASCE Foundation develops resources to build a stronger profession to meet tomorrow’s national and global challenges.

What We Fund

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Grants may be distributed to ASCE programs and occasionally to ASCE sections and branches, with the approval of the ASCE Foundation Board of Directors.

Explore the Programs We Support