Home » About Archives » Resources » News & Press Releases

SAA Foundation Board of Directors Convenes for February 2026 Meetings

March 24, 2026—The Society of American Archivists (SAA) Foundation Board of Directors held its second quarter meeting virtually on February 23–24, 2026, to advance the Foundation’s mission of supporting the archives profession through strategic grantmaking, fundraising initiatives, and governance review. 

The Foundation President called both meetings to order and welcomed elected directors, society directors, staff, and guests.  

Board Takes Action on Key Business and Leadership Items  

  • The Board unanimously approved its meeting agenda and acknowledged the availability of the November 2025 meeting minutes through the consent agenda. 
  • The Chief Executive Officer submitted a written report for review, and the President highlighted a robust slate of second‑quarter leadership activities, including biweekly coordination meetings and preparation for the February agenda. 
  • The Director of Governance presented the Operations Report, noting strong midyear contribution trends and continued positive performance in year‑end appeals and Catalyst Fund support. 

Financial Stewardship Remains a Central Priority 

  • Board directors reviewed the Foundation’s financial position, including the completion of the FY24 audit and ongoing enhancements to financial systems and revenue‑tracking practices. The Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer provided updates on internal controls, receipt‑capture improvements, and alignment of accounting and contribution data. 

Fundraising and Annual Meeting Preparation Underway 

  • Vice President updates included plans for fundraising activities tied to the 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans. The Board reaffirmed its support for several high‑impact initiatives. Additional updates addressed subtask efforts focused on prospect research, donor outreach, and improved communication strategies across email and social media platforms. 

Programs and Impacts 

  • The Grant Review Committee Chair reported a strong response to the 2026 Catalyst Grant cycle, receiving 39 submissions, more than double the previous year. The Opportunity Grants program also entered its first full year of implementation, issuing its first 2026 award to the Digital Museum of the History of Japanese in New York. 

Governance and Strategic Planning Move Forward 

  • The Board Directors approved the standing rules of the Governance Committee, supporting a more formalized structure for nominations and governance processes. Recruitment for Board and Committee service continued through February 28. 
  • Board Directors also advanced discussions related to long-term Catalyst Fund sustainability, award coordination, donor engagement, and alignment with SAA Council review cycles. The Board reviewed progress on the SAA Foundation Strategic Plan, noting FY26 accomplishments and outlining next steps ahead of FY27 planning. Strategic planning work will continue at the May 2026 meeting. 

Additional Information 

Agenda materials from the February meetings are available on the SAA website.  Comprehensive meeting minutes will be posted upon completion. 

For questions about the Board of Directors' actions, contact SAA Foundation President Lisa Mangiafico or Chief Executive Officer Jacqualine Price Osafo.   

The next SAA Foundation meeting will be held virtually on May 18 & 19, 2026. If you’d like to have an item(s) or documents considered for inclusion on the next agenda, please send them to foundation@archivists.org by Monday, April 27, 2026. 

Updated: 2026-03-24

About Archives