This article was originally published in Showsight Magazine, August 2014 issue.
In 2000, recognizing the need to take care of their own, the Irish Setter Club of America Foundation was established by its parent club, the Irish Setter Club of America (ISCA).
Set up as a tax-exempt public charity under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3), the Foundation was initially funded with a $50,000 contribution from ISCA Health Committee funds and $40,000 from the Virginia Hardin Trust. The Foundation continues to grow today with donations from its membership.
The Foundation Board of Directors consists of twelve Directors; all are ISCA members, all require ISCA board approval, and four are elected annually by the Foundation for three-year terms. The Foundation also maintains an Advisory Committee, selected by the ISCA Foundation Board to serve at its discretion.
Health-related projects are administered through the parent club Health Committee with the consent of the ISCA Foundation Board. In much the same fashion, rescue and rehabilitation grants are administered through the Rescue Committee with the consent of the ISCA Foundation Board.
Our Purpose
Foundation fundraising has several efforts each year: a very popular annual calendar, an after-party following Veteran Sweepstakes at the National specialty with a silent auction, and an annual raffle drawn at the National. Understanding the importance of this Foundation, club members are generous with year-end donations, and many have left significant bequests in their Wills.
The ISCA Foundation, in conjunction with the ISCA Health Committee, has been a leader in advancing research regarding common diseases of the Irish Setter. We have a strong partnership with the AKC Canine Health Foundation, most recently becoming a Champion Sponsor of the AKC CHF Bloat initiative.
We also sponsor grants for research on HOD, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, the use of probiotics in treatment of Irritable Bowel Disease, and incontinence. In 2012, the Foundation, in conjunction with OFA, conducted a health survey to determine what breed-specific health challenges we need to focus on in the future.
In keeping with its purpose to promote education and knowledge, the Foundation provides funds to sponsor speakers at the annual National Health Seminar and Breeders Seminar. At every National, the Foundation also provides a clinic where free DNA collections via blood samples are offered and then stored in the OFA CHIC DNA database, along with titre testing for distemper and parvovirus.
Through the leadership of Foundation president Connie Vanacore, the ISCA Foundation has been heralded for its vision in supporting so many aspects that benefit the Irish Setter. Other breeds may learn from this model and explore the possibility of creating a Foundation to the advantage of their breed.
