Why Invest?
International Diversity
In the 1940s and the 1950s many Fellows came from Europe and studied in the United States. However, today's Fellows come from all over the world, especially the developing countries, to attend top-ranked universities worldwide. To date, 90 universities from 13 countries have hosted more than 1,250 IRF Fellows from 116 countries, and these numbers continue to grow year by year.
Tomorrow's Leadership
An investment in the Program ensures that the best and brightest young professionals will get the practical and academic training necessary to become tomorrow's leaders and to develop the commitment to remain in the industry. Many of these individuals would never get a comparable opportunity were it not for the IRF Fellowship Program.
Industry Development
Investments in the Fellowship Program provide a powerful stimulus for the advancement of the road industry worldwide. Companies that compete for business in the industry will be among the beneficiaries.
Global Economy
With rapid globalization, the world is getting smaller and economies are becoming increasingly interdependent. Barriers that once separated nations and businesses are rapidly disappearing. Companies operating in this environment need to think globally concerning their responsibilities as well as their opportunities. The Fellowship Program provides contacts for these Members in countries around the world.
Financial Benefits
Many countries offer significant tax benefits for contributions made to non-profit educationally focused organizations and programs, such as the IREF Future Fund.
Networking Potential
As a supporter of the IRF Fellowship Program, IRF Member contributors have an opportunity to develop long-term personal and professional relationships with young, upcoming industry professionals who will, one day, be key representatives in government and private sector firms around the world.
Corporate Philanthropy
Many corporate leaders are charitably motivated to support education as a long-term enlightened investment in the future. Support of the IREF Future Fund provides an opportunity to achieve a sense of fulfillment for having helped in one small way to make the world a better place while at the same time enjoying the more self-interested types of returns on investment highlighted above.
Market Research
Fellows can be used as a point of reference for IRF member firms that are evaluating new market potentials. Fellows make for a good sounding board for corporate decision-makers.
Mentor/Protégé Program
Many financial contributors to the Fellowship Program establish mentor programs with the Fellows they support. This is a win/win situation that will provide dividends for decades to come.
Business Resource
By establishing working relationship with Fellows, IRF members can set up visits with them when traveling to their countries. These meetings can establish life long relationships whose returns are enormous.
Hosting Fellows
By offering to host a Fellow when he/she is in a country where you have operations, you will build a valuable business relationship.
Product/Service Advocacy
IRF Fellows can serve as an advocate for your firm worldwide. By familiarizing the Fellows with your products and/or services, they may be able to provide business leads through those they meet and know in the industry.
Employee Resource
Fellows can be used to identify potential local employees for your firm. They may know who would be a good fit for the position you are trying to fill.
Business Interests
The use of IRF Fellows is good business. The Fellowship network can be used in the pursuit of your business interests and to meet government leaders, potential customers, and joint venture partners around the world.
Named Fellowship Grants
By becoming a sponsor of a particular student or country, you strengthen your bonds with those Fellows and countries.
Executive Leadership/Fellowship Orientation Program
By becoming an IRF Executive Leadership/Fellowship Orientation Program host, your firm has an opportunity to meet the new Fellows each year.
Active Participation in IRF Events
Through your active involvement in IRF events that are often attended by current as well as past Fellows, your firm will have additional opportunities to develop personal and professional relationships with the Fellows.