Our Mission
The IAAP Foundation is a Kansas City, Missouri-based independent 501(c)(3) organization and a charitable partner of the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
Our Why
At the IAAP Foundation, we believe in the power of administrative professionals — the innovators, leaders, and connectors who shape the future of work. When you invest, you remove barriers to professional development and empower admins worldwide to thrive, lead, and create lasting impact in their organizations and communities.
Mission & Vision
Since 2022, IAAP and the Foundation have shared a fully integrated strategic plan, developed in partnership between the Boards of Directors. As a supporting organization, the Foundation is uniquely qualified to partner with IAAP in service to the administrative community.
Our Shared Mission
To equip administrative professionals with the awareness, knowledge, and community needed to thrive in the emerging technology age, lead organizational change, and shape the future of work.
Our Shared Vision
To revolutionize the perception and impact of the administrative profession, creating a global community of empowered professionals who are leading workplace transformation.
Our Unique Position
To provide resources (financial, intellectual, innovation, and governance) in support of our shared mission and vision; most specifically to provide financial resources for research and education aspects of our shared mission and vision.
Governed by Admins
Every member of the IAAP Foundation Board of Directors is an administrative professional, elected by members of the association. Board members provide leadership, governance, and strategic oversight for the Foundation. Additionally, they partner closely with the IAAP Association Board of Directors on investments in the shared strategic plan. Individual bios and contact information is available here.
Our Story
- 1947 – Della Herring contributes the first dollar toward establishing a retirement home for secretaries, launching the Retirement Trust Foundation (RTF)
- 1966 – The Research & Education Foundation (R&E) is established to track changes in the administrative profession and support professional development
- 1972 – Vista Grande, an 11-acre retirement complex, opens in Rio Rancho, New Mexico after 21 years of fundraising efforts
- 2012 – IAAP Foundation is formed by merging the two charitable organizations: the Retirement Trust Foundation and the Research and Educational Foundation
- 2020 – The new Della Herring Trust creates a resource to expand the foundation’s impact on administrative professionals worldwide
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