Foundation History

Since 1986, the NACE Foundation has existed in the form of an Endowment Committee within NACE. It was officially created under the NACE Presidency of Walt Poff. Mr. Poff proposed its creation in order to provide members and other industry friends the ability to donate towards scholarships for students and young aspiring scientists with corrosion control interests. Their dream was, eventually, to establish a separate training facility and a museum of corrosion artifacts, videos and case histories.

Stan Lopata was the first Chairman of the Endowment Committee as well as the first official financial supporter who made a $10,000 donation! Shortly thereafter, NACE Regions, Sections and members began to make financial contributions toward the Endowment Committee.

There were many people who contributed to the growth of the Endowment Committee such as: Doug Downing, and our beloved supporters: Harry Webster and Darrel Byerley. The Endowment Committee was especially grateful to Mr. Webster and Mr. Byerley for their substantial financial contributions.

In 2002, the Endowment Committee was officially transformed into what we know today as the NACE Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. The goal of this original group, as it still is today, was to support education and research projects relating to the science of corrosion.

The past few years have been exciting and eventful in the growth of the NACE Foundation. We've enjoyed the support of NACE International, NACE members/sections/areas, and many individuals and companies who generously support our vision.

The Foundation Today

Today, the NACE Foundation has created many innovative and ground-breaking programs that are focused on increasing public awareness on corrosion issues. This has been accomplished through the implementation of educational programs; academic scholarships; and the creation of business partnerships which allow us to reach our target audience.

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