About Us

HISTORY:
FACT was founded in 1984 by a small group of Midwesterners who didn't have a whole lot in common, except ... they knew each other, and they felt as if many practical aspects of their lives were not entirely in their own hands.  These founding members soon discovered that by forming into a group of individuals -- people who weren't bound by politics, religion, age or employment -- they could make an almost immediate difference in how they live.  In the last twenty-plus years of service to the American consumer, FACT has grown from a few members and a small Midwest office into an influential national corporation. Today, the association represents 1,000,000+ Americans in all 50 states ... maintaining offices in Illinois and Washington, D.C., and offering more than 20 benefits which can be truly life-altering.

STRUCTURE:
FACT was formed under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the District of Columbia. It has a governing board of directors, comprised of four persons, who are elected annually by a vote of regular members. Among other things, these directors must:

• Agree to serve without compensation.
• Engage in no activities which represent a conflict with FACT's best interests.
• Have been a dues-paying member of FACT for at least two years prior to being nominated.
• Not be related or connected in any way to any other director, officer or employee of FACT.
• Be a person of good character.
• Submit to and abide by a screening process whereby FACT can determine that a nominee has the qualifications to make important business decisions for a complex corporation.

These criteria were adopted by the corporation in order to
(a) assure the continuation of FACT's selfless intents and purposes,
(b) maintain a high level of professionalism at the director level, and
(c) prevent any special-interest groups or self-serving individuals from assuming control of FACT for their own gain.

Reporting directly to the board of directors are its officers (also four in number) and a managing director ... all of whom operate on a volunteer basis (i.e., they receive no compensation from FACT).  Day-to-day administrative, management and marketing responsibilities are entirely "outsourced" ... handled on a contract basis by companies which specialize in their respective fields.

BELIEFS & COMMITMENT:
Serving our members requires honesty and efficiency.  Just as important, we believe, is our full recognition that every person is entitled to courtesy, consideration, respect, and accuracy of information. To that extent:

• FACT is prevented by its charter and by-laws from making a profit.
• FACT only offers benefits that we believe to be of substantial interest and use to members.  (We never accept payments or commissions from any benefit provider.)
• FACT has no hidden or self-serving agenda ... it is not aligned with or controlled by any political party, special-interest group, business, union or industry.

And ...

When you call the FACT office, the telephone will NOT be answered by a machine but by a person ... someone who will promptly, politely and with genuine concern respond to any question, request or comment you may have.

BENEFITS & DUES:
FACT dues are presently $3.00 per month, payable annually ($36.00). In return, members are entitled to a full roster of benefits. These benefits include:

CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS: FACT members and their immediate families may apply for scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 in any of four categories: 1) Current high school seniors, 2) Students already in college, 3) Persons who graduated from high school four or more years ago, and 4) Individuals wishing to attend a trade or technical school.

CLASSROOM & COMMUNITY GRANTS: FACT members can nominate worthy community projects or teachers to receive a FACT grant.  Awards (up to $2,500) are made quarterly.

EYE-ON-WASHINGTON: FACT members have their own representative in Washington, D.C.  Members are encouraged to call FACT's D.C. Office with questions and concerns.  Weekly Eye-on-Washington Reports are available on FACT's Web site or via e-mail ... these Reports are completely non-biased, politically neutral, and nonpartisan.

DISASTER AID: This program helps to get instant cash (up to $250) into a member’s hands immediately following a natural disaster or terrorist event.  There are no claim forms, no lines, and no red-tape.

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY: If you're a small business owner who's been affected by a sudden and unforeseen economic downturn, FACT may be able to provide you with immediate financial relief (up to $250).  FACT also provides links to Grant and Small Business information via our Web site.

MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES: Members in many states can apply for a variety of medical insurance plans.  All plans are fully underwritten by a reputable carrier with an "A" rating from A.M. Best.  Health Savings Account Plans and Short-term Plans are available.  Members who reside in the following states are eligible to apply: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MS, MO, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV, and WI.

TRAVEL: Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time flyer ... FACT is your one-stop resource for insightful and useful travel information. Included: Cruise and Vacation Specials ... Hotel/Motel Discounts ... Car Rental Discounts ... Free Road Maps ... Discounts on Magellan Travel Gear ... Amusement Park Discounts ... Family Entertainment Benefits ... Professional Travel Planning and Consulting ... and more.

CONSUMER HOTLINE & LIBRARY: If you have a consumer problem that's not getting solved, call FACT's referral hotline. Also, FACT maintains a store of publications of interest and importance to consumers and travelers . . . all materials are provided FREE to FACT members.

JOB-SEARCH: Whether you are looking for a job or for an employee, try FACT's Job Search Program.  It lets you reach out to potential employers and employees without any cost.

FREE ADVERTISING: If you are interested in marketing your product or service to a large nationwide audience, ask about participating in FACT's Member-to-Member Discount program -- free!

NEWSLETTER: Our FACTFinder newsletter is, in itself, worth the modest FACT dues.  This publication includes information and advice which can enhance your financial situation, your health, your knowledge base, and your overall well-being.

LONG-DISTANCE MOVING: Cut the cost of an interstate move by more that half!  Savings and service provided by North American Van Lines.

AUTO MUFFLERS & SERVICE: Discounts provided to FACT members by Meineke.

FLOWERS - POPCORN - AND MORE! 15% savings to FACT members from 1-800-FLOWERS (gourmet baskets, fruit, snacks, sweet treats, flowers and plants), THE POPCORN FACTORY (premium popcorn and other great food gifts), and PLOW & HEARTH (products which reflect and embody the spirit and values of country living).

HAND-MADE BATH & BODY PRODUCTS: Enjoy an exclusive 15% savings at the Wild Woozle Soap Company. Fizzy bath bombs, carefully crafted lotions, aromatherapy kits, delicate fruit lip balms, and more.

and ...

HEALTH CARE SAVINGS: FACT Rx Prescription Drug Program: 3 ways to save you money on Generic and Name-Brand Prescription Drugs.  Use the "Walk-In" Pharmacy Card, or order by mail from the convenience of home.  Over 38,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.

Eye Care: Save money on eye-exams, glasses, contacts, and LASIK eye correction surgery. Typical savings range from 20% to 60%.  This program allows you to find the provider who suits your needs, prices, and location.

Dental Care: Save money on both general and cosmetic dentistry . . . as well as orthodontics!  Typical savings range from 20% to 50%.  Again, allows you the freedom to find the provider that's right for you.

Hearing Care: Helps you, your dependents, parents, and grandparents enjoy better hearing at a considerable discount.  Enjoy the Low Price Guarantee (up to 50% off the suggested retail price).  Name brand Products.  On-staff audiologists to assist you.  1,000+ locations all over the country.

Air Med: If a FACT member is hospitalized more than 150 miles from home, he or she can be flown to a hospital in the best-equipped jets on the planet ... at a special preferred rate. AirMed International transports are available virtually anywhere in the world ... all FAA-approved, and manned by highly trained doctors and nurses.

TO ACCESS THE ABOVE BENEFITS RETURN TO THE LOG-IN OR FREE SIGN-UP PAGE



FACT has negotiated favorable agreements on behalf of its members with reputable benefit providers, all of whom assume full responsibility for their programs.  Availability, scope and suppliers of these are subject to change without notice, and some restrictions and limitations may apply.  Any member who experiences a problem should contact FACT’s Consumer Hotline immediately.