Foundation for Advancement in Conservation

The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) is a United States nonprofit organization that supports conservation education, research, and outreach activities that increase understanding of global cultural heritage. It operates as the charitable and educational affiliate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), the leading professional membership association for conservators and allied professionals in the United States. Through grants, scholarships, workshops, publications, and emergency programs, FAIC advances the field of cultural heritage conservation and helps ensure that collections and historic works are preserved for future generations. FAIC's work spans several core areas. It provides professional development opportunities for conservators at all career stages, including workshops, seminars, and online courses. It administers grant programs that fund conservation research, publications, and educational initiatives. The foundation also coordinates emergency preparedness and response programs, helping institutions and individuals protect cultural heritage during and after disasters. Its outreach efforts aim to raise public awareness of conservation and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. As the philanthropic arm of AIC, FAIC relies on donations, grants, and partnerships to fund its programs. It collaborates with museums, libraries, archives, historical societies, and other cultural institutions, as well as with individual conservators and allied professionals. The foundation's activities are guided by a board of directors and supported by staff and volunteers. Its programs are designed to complement and extend the work of AIC, which focuses on professional standards, advocacy, and membership services. FAIC's emergency programs are particularly notable. The foundation helps coordinate response efforts when cultural heritage is threatened by natural disasters, fires, floods, and other emergencies. It provides resources, training, and financial assistance to help institutions prepare for and recover from such events. This work is critical to preserving the world's cultural heritage and ensuring that communities can rebuild after disasters. Overall, the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation plays a vital role in the cultural heritage sector by supporting education, research, and outreach. Its efforts help train the next generation of conservators, advance conservation science, and protect cultural heritage in times of crisis. As a nonprofit organization, it depends on the generosity of donors and the dedication of professionals and volunteers to fulfill its mission.

The Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FAIC) was established in 1973 as the charitable and educational affiliate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). AIC itself was founded in 1972 as the professional membership organization for conservators in the United States, and FAIC was created shortly thereafter to support the field through grants, education, and outreach. From its early years, FAIC focused on advancing conservation knowledge and practice. It administered grants for conservation research and publications, supported professional development for conservators, and helped fund educational initiatives. Over time, FAIC expanded its programs to include emergency preparedness and response, recognizing the need to protect cultural heritage during disasters. In the 1990s and 2000s, FAIC continued to grow its grant programs and educational offerings. It developed workshops, seminars, and online courses for conservators at various career stages. The foundation also increased its public outreach efforts, aiming to raise awareness of conservation and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. A significant area of FAIC's work is emergency response. The foundation coordinates with AIC's Emergency Programs and Assistance to help institutions and individuals prepare for and recover from disasters. This includes providing resources, training, and financial assistance. FAIC's emergency programs have been activated during major events such as hurricanes, floods, and fires, helping to save countless cultural treasures. FAIC also supports research through grants and fellowships, and it publishes materials that advance the field. Its programs are funded by donations, grants, and partnerships with foundations, corporations, and individuals. The foundation is governed by a board of directors and works closely with AIC's leadership and membership. Today, FAIC remains dedicated to its mission of supporting conservation education, research, and outreach. It continues to adapt to the evolving needs of the cultural heritage sector, addressing challenges such as climate change, digital preservation, and diversity in the profession. Through its programs, FAIC helps ensure that cultural heritage is preserved and accessible for future generations.

• 1973

  Foundation for Advancement in Conservation established as the charitable affiliate of the American Institute for Conservation.

• 1972

  American Institute for Conservation founded, providing the parent professional association.

Nonprofit foundation supporting conservation education, research, and outreach as the charitable affiliate of the American Institute for Conservation.

• Emergency Programs and Assistance

  Programs that help cultural institutions prepare for and respond to emergencies affecting collections.

• Grants and Scholarships

  Financial support for conservation research, education, and professional development.

• Professional Development Workshops

  Workshops, seminars, and online courses for conservators at all career stages.

• Publications and Research Support

  Support for publications and research that advance the conservation field.

1. 1Frequently Asked Questions - American Institute for Conservationculturalheritage.org
2. 2Contact Us - American Institute for Conservationculturalheritage.org
3. 3Terms of Use - American Institute for Conservationculturalheritage.org
4. 4Emergency Programs and Assistance - American Institute for Conservationculturalheritage.org
5. 5Foundation for Advancement in Conservation - Wikidatawikidata.org