FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) About The I AM Foundation
What is The I AM Foundation? The I AM Foundation is a 501c3 educational non-profit whose mission is to empower children & adults worldwide through publishing and gifting The Love~Wisdom Series. The Love~Wisdom Series of books and music is designed to help children and adults in "building life skills for life." We also gift other donated books and products from generous authors and donors.
Who founded it and when? The I AM Foundation was founded on July 8th, 1998 by author Steve Viglione. It was co-founded by his wife Dr. Marilyn Powers who has her Ph.D. in Psychology and Religion.
Founding Donor: The I AM Foundation had a generous founding donor in 1998, her name is Susan Shapiro. Susan was the key to getting us started and we are eternally grateful to her. Susan continues her support of our work with her many Points of Light in the Points of Light Campaign.
What books and music do you gift to children and adults? We have gifted and distributed over 1,100,000 books and products from The Love~Wisdom Series and products donated by community of authors, publishers and musicians. We print and gift our signature book, The I AM! Affirmation Book: Discovering The Value of Who You Are in English and the language of the culture we are visiting. To donate books or other relevant products: Please fill out the Book Gifting Ambassador Registration Form.
We are now developing other books and music to gift to our worldwide recipients. Our newest children's title, I Am the Earth! Positive Affirmations for Loving Our Planet is being gifted around the world. The I AM! Affirmation Book for Teens and Young Adults and I Am Healthy! Affirmations for Health and Well Being are due out in 2011.
Can I donate my own books and music? Yes, you can do so through The Million Books for Kids Campaign. As long as you either pay the shipping or deliver the books yourself, your donation will be counted toward The Million Books for Kids Campaign. The products and shipping are tax-deductible and you will receive a thank you letter for your taxes.
Is there a religious affiliation with the organization? No, there is no religious affiliation. However, we honor and respect each individual’s spiritual path.
What is a Book Gifting Mission? A book gifting mission is when The I AM Foundation and its team visit a school or organization inside The United States or in another country. We print The I AM! Affirmation Book in the country in English and the language of the culture. We then gift the book and our program to the children and the teachers who we have prearranged to visit.
How do you select the countries you go to? When we meet someone who is passionate about supporting a book gifting mission to a particular country, who is closely aligned in principles and values and can put the funding together, a mission is birthed.
Why does the foundation focus on affirmations for children? The I AM Foundation stands for affirming the life and value of each child. We believe whatever a child says after the words I AM can affect their life positively and negatively. The founders Steve and Marilyn have improved the quality of their own lives through the use of positive affirmations. They teach this marvelous tool to children around the world.
How many schools and organizations are recipients at The I AM Foundation? Over 1,500 teachers, schools, church groups and organizations are part of The I AM Foundation's recipient program.
What is your business model and how is The I AM Foundation funded? At The I AM Foundation we believe all non-profits need a sustainable business model. We are committed to not only making an impact; we are committed to making a sustainable impact. Our business model supports generous gifting programs to the United States and world community as well as sustaining our business even through tough economic climates. Because we keep our overhead very low, we are able to gift more through our programs.
What is your business model and how is The I AM Foundation funded? At The I AM Foundation we believe all non-profits need a sustainable business model. We are committed to not only making an impact; we are committed to making a sustainable impact. Our business model supports generous gifting programs to the United States and world community as well as sustaining our business even through tough economic climates. Because we keep our overhead very low, we are able to gift more through our programs.
The I AM Foundation receives general donations and donations from corporate sponsors. Our main source of funding is through our 100 Points of Light Campaign and through the sponsorships and orders for our books.
"The Buy One, Gift One Program" is Part of our Sustainability. Whenever a book is sold at a donation at the suggested retail on our site or at an event, we gift another book to a child at an organization who has signed up through our website. This program contributes greatly to our sustainability.
How can I help? You can help by volunteering, hosting a home party, sharing our link or by making a financial donation. Home parties are a great way to fund a book gifting mission in the U.S. or abroad. Please call us at 619.297.7010 for more information.