American Association of Orthodontists Foundation

The AAO Foundation, the charitable arm of the [American Association of Orthodontists](https://www.aaoinfo.org "AAO site"), provides support to orthodontic education programs and orthodontic research. The AAO Foundation is incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation in the state of Missouri. The Board of Directors consists of eight directors elected by the eight AAO constituent societies; the chairs of the National Endowment Campaign, National Vanguard Society, the National Planned Giving (individually or concurrently as a member of the Board in a different capacity); up to three representatives of the public; one current graduate orthodontic resident; one trustee (with that person to be determined by the AAO Board of Trustees); and the CEO of the AAO, designated as the AAOF Secretary-Treasurer, who serves non-voting. The Board meets twice annually and is the managing body of the Foundation, vested with the authority to conduct all business of the organization, subject to the laws of the State of Missouri. AAOF is recognized as a charitable organization in Canada, however only those with a U.S. income source can receive a tax benefit. **Our Mission** The Mission of the AAOF is to advance the orthodontic specialty by supporting quality education and research that leads to excellence in patient care, and by promoting orthodontic charitable giving. **Our Vision** Foundation funding ensures the future viability of the specialty by investing in the next generation of educators and researchers.