IFMA Foundation

IFMA Foundation's Global Workforce Initiative (GWI) provided the framework to unite public entities, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions and local IFMA chapters in tackling regional workforce needs. A grantee and sub-grantee for three projects, the Foundation facilitated the distribution of 150 certificates in the Essentials of FM, Essentials of Sustainability and OSHA-10 to individuals entering the Facility Management career pathway, as well as to current FM professionals. In addition, the Foundation facilitated engagement opportunities between industry, academia and facility management students that provided mechanisms for ensuring the evolving needs of employers are translated to academic programs and that students can see a clear pathway from academics to career with access to internships and mentorship.

Accreditation and development of facility management degrees is a key component of the IFMA Foundation's support of the FM profession. Working with local chapters and industry, IFMA Foundation supports the development of new FM programs at two- and four-year colleges and universities. The Foundation also supports the accreditation of FM programs through ABET ensuring that FM curriculum at accredited institutions includes instruction on all 11 core competencies of the FM profession established by IFMA so that student outcomes are appropriate to the level of degree earned.

IFMA Foundation granted scholarships to 43 students studying to enter the FM profession in 2023-24. In addition to a monetary award to help offset the costs of earning their FM-related degree, scholarship recipients were also awarded travel and related expenses to participate in the Foundation's Student Experience at IFMA's World Workplace annual conference and exposition. The World Workplace Student Experience provides students with opportunities to learn about best practices in the profession and the newest technologies, and also offers a professional forum in which they can build their FM network.