About the PRSA Foundation The PRSA Foundation is an independent, 50l (c) 3 charitable foundation which enhances the role of the public relations industry in serving the public good. The Role We Play The Foundation raises funds to support:  Scholarships for deserving students pursuing careers in public relations, Research to strengthen industry self awareness and improve our ability to serve the public good, Public Education about the role public relations can play in addressing societal issues.                                                               Building a Strong Future We provide scholarships that are helping academically qualified students with significant financial need complete their education.  With more than 10 scholarships available, the Foundation continues to increase the number of scholarships through named funds as well as general contributions.  PRSA Foundation Scholarships Funding Projects That Impact The Foundation funds national/global research projects that impact the public relations profession and its ability to serve the public good.  PRSA Foundation Research  One such grant helped fund the study by the Commission on Public Relations and the Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communications Management on how public relations is taught around the world.  This body of work resulted in a recommendation to develop a comprehensive, virtual took lit that would connect public relations educators around the world and provide a global depository for educational materials and best practices. Another research grant awarded to the Commission on Public Relations Education funded a comprehensive look at the status of graduate public relations education in the U.S.  The summary of the findings was released in October 2011 with a final report due October 2012.

Working Diligently to Educate

The Foundation works diligently to help business, government and community leaders understand how public relations is an effective tool to address societal issues.  The funds earmarked for public education are used to:

•  Construct ideas,
•  Create beneficial partnerships
•  Advance the Foundation’s mission of better educating the public about the profession.

Honoring Industry Leaders

The Foundation created the Paladin Award and Dinner to bring together and honor industry leaders who have been advocates for the profession.  The 2012 Paladin Award will go to Harold Burson, co-founder of Burson-Marsteller at the Paladin Award Dinner April 26 at The W Union Square, NYC.  Past recipients include Jon Iwata, senior vice president marketing & communications for IBM in 2011; Marcia Silverman, global chair of Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in 2010; and John D. Graham, chairman, Fleishman Hillard, in 2009.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

• Support the Foundation by making your tax deductible donation today.  MAKE A DONATION.
• Start a scholarship fund.
• Get involved!