TRF Foundation | Transportation Research Forum
501(c)(6) Non-Profit

TRF Foundation

Supporting the next generation of transportation researchers and the communities that advance the field.

The Transportation Research Forum (TRF) Foundation is a 501(c)(6), not-for-profit corporation organized under the laws of the District of Columbia. Your support helps sustain and expand TRF's mission of advancing transportation research, education, and professional development for researchers and practitioners worldwide.

Your Contribution Supports

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Student Access to the Annual Forum

Reduced registration fees help students attend the TRF National Annual Forum — giving them the opportunity to learn, network, and grow in the transportation and logistics industries.

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Research Awards & Recognition

Sponsoring awards recognizes and encourages high-quality research papers and presentations at the Annual Forum, improving content quality and encouraging greater participation.

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Regional Chapter Activities

Sponsoring events and expanding activities by TRF regional chapters — the heart of TRF — increases their vibrancy and the overall visibility of the organization.

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New Chapter Development

Seed grants help establish new TRF regional chapters, giving members access to local programming and activities that enhance the value of TRF membership.

We will work with donors interested in developing specific ideas for additional activities and for structuring restricted gifts consistent with our mission of "achieving improved, more efficient, and more economical transportation and logistics in the United States and abroad by promoting and conducting educational and scientific exchange and interaction among researchers and others."

How You Can Help

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Annual giving to the general fund

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Unrestricted gifts

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Restricted gifts for a specific purpose

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Unrestricted or restricted endowments

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Annuities

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Gifts of appreciated stocks and other securities

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Planned giving and legacies

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Gifts in your honor from friends and family

Discuss Your Gift

Prospective donors can discuss their goals with the President or another TRF Foundation board of directors member to maximize their contribution's value and discuss arrangements for legacies or a restricted gift.

Contact us at: [email protected]

Donations are federally tax-exempt as limited by law. Potential donors are advised to discuss the tax implications with a tax professional.

⬇ Download Foundation Brochure

Financial Support Policy

Organizations delivering programs that align with the TRF Foundation's purpose are invited to submit requests for financial support. These include, but are not limited to, the TRF national council, organizers of the TRF annual forum, and TRF Chapters.

The TRF Foundation by-laws define our purpose as achieving improved, more efficient, and more economical transportation and logistics in the United States and abroad by promoting and conducting educational and scientific exchange and interaction among researchers and others.

Eligible Requests Include:

  • Travel expenses for speakers
  • Room hire and audio-visual expenses for graduate student paper or poster sessions
  • Room hire and audio-visual expenses for special panel sessions
  • Prizes for outstanding papers
Please note: The Foundation does not cover the cost of food or alcohol. As a tax-exempt organization, the TRF Foundation is prohibited from supporting political candidates, or supporting speakers and events of a partisan nature.
Submission Deadline: Requests must be submitted no fewer than 30 days prior to the event, though earlier submission is strongly recommended. Requests must include a line item budget and justification for each item. The Foundation may request additional information prior to making its decision.

Payment will only be made after the event has occurred, on receipt of a detailed invoice that includes supporting materials showing actual expenses incurred. Payment will not exceed the preauthorized spending limit.

Foundation Officers

President

Ian Savage

Northwestern University

Vice President

Jack Ventura

Retired

Secretary

Jill Bernard-Bracy

University of Missouri – St. Louis

Treasurer

Paul Gessner

Gessner Transportation Consulting LLC

Counsel

Michael McBride

Van Ness Feldman, LLP