American Respiratory Care Foundation

What American Respiratory Care Foundation does

The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1982 and headquartered in Addison, Texas, dedicated to promoting respiratory care through funding support for research, education, scholarship, achievement, and international fellowship. The foundation administers a portfolio of programs spanning the respiratory-care career continuum: undergraduate and postgraduate student education awards, advanced-degree scholarships (e.g., John and Brenda Walton Endowed Scholarship up to $5,000), research grants and fellowships (AARC Vision Grant up to $50,000, Parker B. Francis, Jerome M. Sullivan, Smallwood Young Investigator, Charles W. Serby COPD, Philips Mechanical Ventilation, Vyaire Neonatal/Pediatric), achievement awards (Mitchell A. Baran, Forrest M. Bird Lifetime Scientific Achievement, Hector Leon Garza International), literary awards, and the International Fellowship Program that has hosted non-U.S. healthcare professionals from 75+ countries since 1990. ARCF also presents the Respiratory Care Journal Conferences (since 1982) and the annual ARCF Fundraising Reception held during AARC Congress.

ARCF's business model is a multi-stream philanthropic funding operation rather than a commercial enterprise. Revenue is generated through individual donations, corporate sponsorships (Platinum $20,000, Gold $10,000, Bronze $5,000, Silver $2,500), named endowments (minimum $50,000 or $10,000/year for 5 years, with a 10% administrative fee on distributed amounts), conference sponsorships and donor levels ($18,000 and $12,000 for Respiratory Care Journal Conference), event ticket sales ($125–$200 for the Fundraising Reception), raffle tickets ($25), and Virtual Museum brick/block donations ($25/$100). In 2024, the foundation disbursed approximately $95,279 across student education awards ($29,865), research awards and grants ($25,665), achievement awards ($16,431), and fellowships ($23,318). Operations are tightly integrated with the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC): awards are presented at AARC Congress, donations flow through the my.aarc.org online store, and the AARC chartered state-society network distributes nomination calls.

Name

American Respiratory Care Foundation

Legal name

American Respiratory Care Foundation

Website

https://arcfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1982

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1982 that funds respiratory care research, education, scholarships, achievement recognition, and international fellowships through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and endowments, operating in close affiliation with the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthcare Nonprofit Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Global Health Research, Evidence & Technical Assistance Organizations (HLAJAKAN)

Keywords

• Respiratory care research
• Student scholarship programs
• Research grant funding
• International fellowship program
• Nonprofit foundation grants

Headquarters

HQ city

Irving

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The foundation receives charitable contributions from individuals who support respiratory care research, education, and fellowship programs. Donations are made through the AARC online portal.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Healthcare industry companies sponsor ARCF programs including the annual Fundraising Reception (Platinum $20,000, Gold $10,000, Bronze $5,000, Silver $2,500), Journal Conference sponsorships ($18,000), and donor-level contributions ($12,000). Sponsors receive recognition in Respiratory Care journal proceedings and observer seats at conferences.
3. Endowment Funds: Named endowments are established by donors with a minimum commitment of $50,000 (or $10,000/year over five years). Endowments generate annual awards in perpetuity. The ARCF charges a 10% administrative fee on amounts distributed each year.
4. Event Revenue: Revenue is generated from ticket sales for the annual Fundraising Reception ($125–$200 per person depending on deadline tier) and raffle ticket sales ($25 per ticket).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that funds respiratory care research, education, scholarships, achievement recognition, literary awards, and international fellowships. It awards grants to students, practitioners, and investigators and runs annual fundraising and journal conferences under the auspices of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

Product overview

The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that does not offer a traditional software product. Instead, ARCF provides a portfolio of philanthropic programs supporting respiratory care professionals: student education awards (Morton B. Duggan Jr., Jimmy A. Young, William W. Burgin/Robert M. Lawrence, Charles D. McArthur scholarships), advanced degree scholarships (John and Brenda Walton Endowed Scholarship up to $5,000), research grants and fellowships (AARC Vision Grant up to $50,000, Parker B. Francis, Jerome M. Sullivan, Smallwood Young Investigator), achievement awards (Mitchell A. Baran, Forrest M. Bird Lifetime Achievement, Hector Leon Garza International), literary awards (Mallinckrodt, Draeger-Shreyas Roy), International Fellowship Program for non-U.S. health professionals, Respiratory Care Journal Conferences since 1982, annual fundraising receptions with tiered sponsorship, raffle programs, endowment establishment services, and Virtual Museum brick/block donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• International Fellowship Program Gives non-U.S. healthcare professionals the opportunity to visit the United States and observe respiratory care as practiced domestically. Fellows visit two U.S. cities for 5–6 days each and attend the AARC Congress.
• Student Awards Undergraduate and postgraduate education recognition awards including the Morton B. Duggan Jr. Memorial Award, Jimmy A. Young Memorial Award, William W. Burgin Jr./Robert M. Lawrence Award, and Charles D. McArthur Memorial Scholarship for students in accredited respiratory care programs.
• Advanced Degrees Scholarships The John and Brenda Walton Endowed Scholarship awards up to $5,000 annually to students in accredited respiratory care programs leading to a baccalaureate or master's degree, plus coach airfare, lodging, and AARC Congress registration.
• Research Awards & Grants Research grants and fellowships supporting investigators in respiratory care, including the AARC Vision Grant (up to $50,000), NBRC Frederic Helmholz Jr. Educational Research Fund, Parker B. Francis Respiratory Research Grant, Jerome M. Sullivan Research Fund, Smallwood Young Investigator Fellowship, Charles W. Serby COPD Research Fellowship, Philips Fellowship in Mechanical Ventilation, Vyaire Fellowship for Neonatal and Pediatric Therapists, and the Jeri Eiserman RRT Professional Education Research Fellowship.
• Achievement Awards Recognition awards for respiratory care professionals including the Mitchell A. Baran Achievement Award, Forrest M. Bird Lifetime Scientific Achievement Award, Hector Leon Garza International Achievement Award, Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for Cardiopulmonary Public Health, Thomas L. Petty Invacare Award for Excellence in Home Respiratory Care, NBRC Gary A. Smith Educational Award, and Mike West Patient Education Achievement Award.
• Literary Awards Literary awards recognizing the best papers published in the Respiratory Care journal, including the Mallinckrodt Literary Award (best paper by first-time author) and Draeger-Shreyas Roy MD Memorial Literary Award (mechanical ventilation). Recipients receive cash, certificate, airfare, lodging, and AARC Congress registration.
• Respiratory Care Journal Conferences Annual journal conferences held since 1982 presenting important and timely information affecting respiratory medicine practice worldwide; proceedings appear in special issues of the Respiratory Care journal. The 63rd conference is scheduled for Sept. 15–16, 2026.
• ARCF Fundraising Reception Annual fundraising event held during AARC Congress featuring dinner, open bar, live music, and sponsorship opportunities at Platinum ($20,000), Gold ($10,000), Silver ($2,500), and Bronze ($5,000) levels. Tickets priced at $125 (earlybird), $150 (regular), and $200 (onsite).
• ARCF Raffle Program Raffle giveaways, including the 2026 Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa two-night stay prize (~$700 value). Tickets are $25 each with no purchase limit.
• Endowment Program Named honorary awards or scholarships established by donors with a minimum endowment of $50,000 (one-time) or $10,000/year for five years. ARCF charges a 10% administrative fee on amounts distributed each year. First award is typically made one year after the minimum level is reached.
• Virtual Museum Support Donation program supporting the ARCF Virtual Museum, allowing supporters to purchase virtual bricks ($25) with optional 150-character inscription or virtual blocks ($100) with optional 400-character inscription and image.

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ICU MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024ICU Medical is thanked by ARCF for its support of the International Fellows program, which enables non-U.S. healthcare professionals to observe respiratory care in the United States.
• American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024AARC is the primary affiliated professional organization. ARCF operates under the auspices of AARC; awards are presented at AARC Congress and the AARC International Respiratory Convention & Exhibition. The AARC online store processes ARCF donations. ARCF Bylaws are filed with AARC.
• Monaghan Medical CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Monaghan Medical sponsors the Mitchell A. Baran Achievement Award for Clinical Excellence in Aerosol and Airway Clearance Therapies. An endowment has been established for this award. Monaghan has been a consistent donor at the $5,000+ level.
• Draeger, Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Draeger Medical sponsors the Draeger-Shreyas Roy, MD Memorial Literary Award. Has been a consistent sponsor/donor at the $5,000+ level.
• Fisher & Paykel HealthcaremajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has been a consistent donor at the $5,000+ level and is a sponsor of the 63rd Respiratory Care Journal Conference (Sept. 2026). Chris Hutchinson, Director of Clinical Affairs at Fisher & Paykel, serves as an ARCF Trustee.
• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024NBRC has established multiple endowments with ARCF: the William W. Burgin Jr. MD and Robert M. Lawrence MD Education Recognition Award, the Gareth B. Gish Memorial Postgraduate Award, and the Frederic Helmholz Jr. MD Educational Research Fund. NBRC also sponsors the International Reception at AARC Congress. Has been a consistent donor at the $5,000+ level.
• TeleflexmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Teleflex (Anesthesia and Respiratory Division) funds the Jeri Eiserman, RRT Professional Education Research Fellowship. Has been a consistent donor at the $5,000+ level.
• Philips RespironicscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Philips Respironics funds the Philips Fellowship in Mechanical Ventilation. Has been a consistent donor at the $5,000+ level and also funds the Mike West Patient Education Achievement Award.
• VyairemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Vyaire (formerly VIASYS Healthcare) funds the Vyaire Fellowship for Neonatal and Pediatric Therapists, established in 2001. Has been a consistent donor at the $5,000+ level.
• Invacare CorporationmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Invacare funds the Thomas L. Petty, MD Invacare Award for Excellence in Home Respiratory Care, established in 1992.
• Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Boehringer Ingelheim funds the Charles W. Serby COPD Research Fellowship, established in 2002 in honor of Dr. Charles Serby's commitment to respiratory clinical research.
• MallinckrodtmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Mallinckrodt has established an endowment to fund the Mallinckrodt Literary Award, recognizing the best paper by a first-time author published in the science journal Respiratory Care.
• Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc.majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Established the Dr. Charles H. Hudson Award for Cardiopulmonary Public Health in 1986 in honor of founder Charles H. Hudson, DDS.
• Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and SpaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Host venue for the 2026 ARCF raffle prize — a complimentary two-night stay (valued at ~$700) including daily breakfast for two. The resort is also hosting AARC Summer Forum 2026.
• Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CoARC accreditation is required for respiratory care programs whose students are eligible for ARCF awards. CoARC is mentioned as a nominating body for several awards. Active donor at the $5,000+ level historically.
• AmazonSmileminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024ARCF is registered as a beneficiary charity on AmazonSmile, where Amazon donates a portion of eligible purchases to ARCF.
• The Misi (New Orleans)minorOthers · 1 January 2024The Misi at 600 Decatur Street, Ste. 305, New Orleans, LA 70130 is the venue for the ARCF Fundraising Reception on Nov. 13, 2026.
• GuideStarminorOthers · 1 January 2024ARCF regularly files IRS Form 990, available online at GuideStar. GuideStar provides nonprofit transparency verification.
• ChiesimajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Chiesi is a sponsor of the 63rd Respiratory Care Journal Conference (Sept. 15–16, 2026 at Westin Irving Convention Center).
• SentecmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Sentec is a sponsor of the 63rd Respiratory Care Journal Conference (Sept. 15–16, 2026 at Westin Irving Convention Center).
• Verona PharmamajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Verona Pharma is a sponsor of the 63rd Respiratory Care Journal Conference (Sept. 15–16, 2026 at Westin Irving Convention Center).

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• CHEST Foundation: Philanthropic arm of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), funding chest medicine research, education, and community service. Closest comparable to ARCF in structure (foundation tied to a professional medical society) and in grantmaking for respiratory/cardiopulmonary professionals.
• Allergy & Asthma Network: Nonprofit dedicated to respiratory/allergy patient education and advocacy; ARCF has a documented donor relationship with its President/CEO Tonya Winders. Directly comparable in mission and overlapping with ARCF's respiratory care audience.
• Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation: Nonprofit funding pulmonary fibrosis research, education, and patient support. Comparable to ARCF as a respiratory condition-specific grantmaking foundation that funds research fellowships and recognizes clinicians.
• Respiratory Health Association: Chicago-based nonprofit funding lung health research, education, and advocacy. Comparable to ARCF in mission and beneficiary base, though more regional (Midwest focus).
• COPD Foundation: Nonprofit dedicated to COPD research and education, funding research grants and fellowship programs. Comparable to ARCF as a respiratory condition-focused grantmaking foundation that partners with industry sponsors like Boehringer Ingelheim.
• American Thoracic Society Foundation: Foundation arm of the American Thoracic Society funding respiratory research and education for physicians and scientists. Directly comparable to ARCF in mission and target benefactors, though focused on physician researchers rather than respiratory therapists.

Broad incumbents

• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation: Large, well-funded nonprofit driving CF research and care. Comparable to ARCF as a disease-focused grantmaking foundation with corporate sponsors, but operates at much larger scale and narrows on cystic fibrosis.
• American Lung Association: Large national nonprofit funding lung health research, education, and advocacy. Overlaps with ARCF's respiratory research funding mission but serves a broader mandate including tobacco control, lung cancer, and general lung disease.

Others

• National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC): Credentialing body for respiratory therapists and a major ARCF sponsor/endowment partner. Not a direct peer but a closely allied ecosystem participant with comparable respiratory care focus and overlapping trustee/governance relationships.
• AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care): Parent professional association to ARCF rather than a peer; AARC is the membership society of which ARCF is the philanthropic arm. Closest analogue because ARCF is operationally and reputationally embedded within AARC.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-respiratory-care-foundation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about American Respiratory Care Foundation