What is the BNI
Foundation?
The BNI Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving educational opportunities for children around the world. Founded in 1998 by Elisabeth and Dr. Ivan Misner, we have raised millions of dollars to support the educational needs of children and inspire them to achieve a brighter future. The BNI Foundation provides more than just monetary funding of programs- we connect people who care to their local communities.
The BNI Foundation’s mission is to lead a global movement of businesspeople who fund educational programs and volunteer time to prepare children for a promising future.
How do we support children’s education?
Business Voices projects focus on how BNI Members, Directors and Chapters can use their time, talent, knowledge, and experience to help children in the communities in which they live and work.
Business Voices Teams can be initiated by any BNI Member in any Chapter around the world. Contact info@bnifoundation.org to learn more and get started.
Givers Gain Grants are generally for $1,000, or the local equivalent, and are funded from donations received. They are available to support educational organizations which make a lasting impact on the future of their students.
Grants are awarded twice a year – one cycle in Spring and one cycle in Fall. If you know of a qualifying organization which would benefit from receiving a Givers Gain Grant, invite them to apply online.
The Misner Endowment Fund was created in 2019 to ensure an annual income flow for the BNI Foundation for years to come. As donations accumulate, our capital fund grows and earnings generated will help us to continue funding grants and programming to support young people.
Donors to the Misner Endowment Fund are known as Misner Fellows, generously providing capital contributions to our campaign to reach $1,000,000 – the dream of Foundation Co-Founder, Elisabeth Misner.
Through Business Voices you can make an impact on your community, supporting educators and young people as they grow and learn. Business Voices projects are about “doing not dollars”. They are projects organized and lead by BNI Chapters in their communities and are a major part of BNI Foundation activities. Support may look different depending on what the schools or educational organizations identify as their greatest challenges. We ask what it is that the schools and young people really need and do our best to provide what is needed using the resources of our BNI network.
Business Voices Projects can be:
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Children’s Clothing Drives
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Backpack and School Supply Drives
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Book Collections
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Mentoring
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Donating Business Attire for Graduating Seniors
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Organizing Career Fairs
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Future Leaders Week
Business Voices Teams can be initiated by any BNI Member in any Chapter around the world! For more information about how to start a Business Voices team, contact info@bnifoundation.org.
October 15th - 21st is Future Leaders Week 2023!!
During Business Voices Future Leaders (BVFL) Week, we invite BNI Chapters around the world to engage with a local school so that they can provide practical career orientation advice to students of 15-18 years facing challenging career decisions. One option is for the weekly Chapter Meeting to be held in a school, with selected BNI Members staying after the meeting to talk to students about their professions and their experience. If this is not practical in your country or region, the career orientation classes can be held independently from the weekly BNI meeting.
Our Programs
Contact
Address
BNI India Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. C Wing, 915 One BKC, BKC Bandra East, Mumbai – 400052.
Leadership
BNI Foundation India Board Members:
Top: Kevin Barber, Sandeep Shah, David Kauffman. Bottom: Hemu Suvarna, Ivan Misner- BNI Foundation Co-Founder, Meena Srinivasan.
Founders & Worldwide Leadership:
David Kauffman, Vice-Chairman; Ivan Misner, Co-Founder; the late Elisabeth Misner, Co-Founder; Kevin Barber, Chairman.
Country Coordinator, BNI Foundation India:
Sandeep Shah (Right) and his wife Manisha Shah pictured with Dr. Ivan Misner.