UPDATE 2012: The Foundation was renamed the "Rheumatology Research Foundation." It is currently listed as a four-star charity on Charity Navigator for the seventh year in a row, and is among the top 100 charities with a 99.49 (out of 100) rating.
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Description
The American College of Rheumatology Research and Education Foundation is the 501(c)(3) foundation of the American College of Rheumatology. The mission of the ACR Research and Education Foundation is to advance research and training to improve the health of people with rheumatic diseases.
History
Established in 1985, the ACR REF (or REF) regularly funds $4–$5 million in research and education grants to individuals and institutions across the United States. These grants focus on medical students and residents that can gain exposure to the field of rheumatology as well as fellows who are currently training in ACGME-accredited rheumatology training programs.
In addition, the REF has also embarked on a $30 million fundraising campaign to accelerate research into Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Thus far more than 54 investigators have been funded through this program for a total of $24.4 million.
On November 1, 2010 Charity Navigator,an independent organization that evaluates American charities, awarded the ACR REF a 4-star rating for the second year in a row. Ninety-three percent of REF expenses are designated for program services.
On May 10, 2011 The REF announced its Within Our Reach: Finding a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis campaign has surpassed its initial $30 million fundraising goal and has already funded $24.4 million in RA research grants. The campaign raised a total of $30,719,054 from 245 donors (making an average campaign gift of $125,384) with patients accounting for over $3 million.