Building a Permanent Legacy in Business Aviation

The IADA Foundation invests in the people who will lead business aviation forward. Through permanent endowments at two of the nation's leading aviation universities, IADA members can make a gift that supports deserving students year after year, in perpetuity.

NEW: IADA, International Aircraft Dealers Association | John D. Odegard Endowment

at the University of North Dakota

Funding Goal: $25,000

The IADA Foundation is proud to launch a new endowment at the University of North Dakota's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, honoring the man who built it.

In 1968, John D. Odegard started UND's aviation program with two donated aircraft and a handful of students. He grew it into one of the world's leading collegiate aviation schools, pioneering FAA-accredited degree programs and helping develop international training standards. Today the school that bears his name serves more than 2,000 students and operates one of the largest civilian training fleets in North America.

On September 24, 2026, John D. Odegard was posthumously enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C., joining the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Neil Armstrong among aviation's most distinguished names.

A Legacy Close to Home

For IADA, this honor is personal. John D. Odegard is the father of John Odegard, Chairman of the IADA Board of Directors. This endowment connects two generations of aviation leadership and places the IADA name at the school his father built.

How the Endowment Works

Once fully funded at $25,000, the endowment becomes permanent. The University of North Dakota manages the fund, and a UND committee reviews applications and selects students with demonstrated financial need to receive support each year. Every gift honors John D. Odegard, carries the IADA name at UND for generations, and helps a student who might otherwise not complete the path to a career in aviation.

DONATE TO THE UND ENDOWMENT

The IADA Endowment at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

The IADA Foundation's established endowment at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University [established in YEAR] continues to provide need-based support to Embry-Riddle students pursuing careers in aviation. Member contributions grow the fund and expand the number of students it can serve.

DONATE TO THE ERAU ENDOWMENT

Endowments and Scholarships: What's the Difference?

	Endowments	IADA Foundation Business Aviation Scholarship
Basis for award	Financial need	Merit and academic achievement
Selected by	University committee	IADA Foundation Board
Funding	Permanent fund, awards drawn each year	Awarded annually by the IADA Foundation
Schools	UND and Embry-Riddle	Participating colleges and universities

Both programs share one purpose: preparing the next generation of business aviation professionals.

Learn more about the Business Aviation Scholarship

Make Your Gift

Choose the endowment you would like to support. Gifts of any amount are welcome, and every contribution brings the UND endowment closer to its $25,000 goal.

The IADA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization. Contributions may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.