Mid-Year Momentum: A Message from the Fundraising Manager

As we pass the halfway point of the year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far—and to share what’s on the horizon for the ASNT Foundation. It’s been a tremendous first half of the year, and I’m both proud and grateful to be part of a community that shows up with such commitment to the future of our industry.

Reflections on a Strong Start

This year began with a renewed focus on planning and setting ambitious—but achievable—goals for individual giving, event-based fundraising, grant submissions, and donor engagement. I’m proud to say we’re already seeing great progress.

One of the most encouraging signs of impact has been the record-breaking number of applications we’ve received for scholarships, training, and research grants. This tells us that the need for support is growing—and that the Foundation’s programs are becoming more visible and more essential as we continue to inspire and empower the current and next generation of NDT professionals.

We’ve also seen a notable uptick in the sales of our Industry Compensation and Workforce Readiness reports, which help generate vital unrestricted revenue to support our broader mission. On the communications front, our efforts to strengthen storytelling and outreach are beginning to take root. Engagement through our social media channels is up, and our presence at the 2024 ASNT Annual Conference sparked a meaningful increase in donor interest and awareness of the Foundation’s work.

This growth isn’t accidental—it’s the result of focused strategy, a passionate team, and supporters like you who believe in what we’re building together. 

Looking Ahead: What’s on the Horizon

While it’s important to celebrate how far we’ve come, it’s just as important to stay focused on where we’re going!

Looking ahead to ASNT 2025 in Orlando, Florida, we can’t wait to bring the community together at our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament and Silent Auction. These events are not only key fundraising opportunities—they’re also a chance to recognize and connect with the incredible supporters who make our work possible.

As we head into the fall, we’ll shift our focus to Giving Tuesday (2 December) and our year-end campaign, the most important fundraising season of the year. You can expect countdowns, matched giving opportunities, and inspiring stories that show how your donations are making a real impact across the industry.

We’re also rolling out some exciting changes around planned giving and donor recognition. With new options to leave a lasting legacy, we’re finding creative ways to honor the generosity of those who power our mission every day.

A Community Like No Other

As someone new to this role and relatively new to the STEM space, I’ve been genuinely moved by the strength and heart of the NDT community. From the stories of scholars whose lives have been changed through our support, to the generous donors who give year after year, it’s clear that this is a field built on precision, integrity, and people who care about lifting others up.

I’m truly excited about what’s to come. With your continued support, we’re building not just programs, but path- ways: to careers, to innovations, and to a stronger, more diverse NDT workforce.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the months ahead—and I’m especially looking forward to seeing many of you in person in Orlando for ASNT 2025!

Alex Rios-Green is the Fundraising Manager for the ASNT Foundation. She can be reached at arios@asnt.org.