Foundation in Focus
February 2021
2021 is already proving to be a busy year for the Internal Audit Foundation! Our research, educational publications, academic grants, and scholarships have benefited practitioners, students, and educators. In this edition of Foundation in Focus, we highlight some of the many ways we have helped internal audit professionals through what we do.
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Amid 2020 Disruption, Foundation Supporters Answer The Call
The year 2020 was filled with its share of disruptions and challenges, but it also was a year of opportunities. In concert with The IIA, the Internal Audit Foundation pivoted to produce valuable content for the profession, executed global research, and continued to support academic initiatives.
We would like to extend a special thank you to our partners, chapters & affiliates, and individual donors who demonstrated their commitment to and belief in the Foundation’s value by contributing a record $740,000 in 2020.
Be sure to check out the Internal Audit Foundation: 2020 Year in Review, which highlights how the support of our donors and partners is instrumental to the Foundation in delivering on its mission. |

Students at Kennesaw State University. |
The Foundation Awards $78,000 in Grants to Promote Awareness and Teaching on Internal Auditing
Thanks to our generous donors, the Foundation recently awarded $78,000 in grants to 12 universities worldwide. The grants are used for student scholarships and engagement activities as well as professional development for educators.
“2020 was a very tough year for us all. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the lockdown imposed by the South African government gravely affects our financial position for 2021. We are therefore very grateful for grant opportunities like these.” — Cobus Janse van Rensburg, CIA, CCSA, University of Pretoria
“As a Center of Excellence at Kennesaw State University, we have been blessed with prior IAF grants to promote and grow our program. We look forward to partnering with The IIA to continue to grow the profession through educational and professional activities.” — Brad A. Schafer, PhD, CIA, Kennesaw State University
Learn more about the Foundation’s commitment to academics. |
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New Book Offers Leading Practices on Powering Audit Committees
Sponsored by Galvanize, Powering Audit Committee Outcomes: The Essential Guide provides today’s best practices and real-world examples on how to enhance and protect organizational value via effective processes.
“In my role as a CAE, I am always looking for ways to enhance the effectiveness of my interactions with the audit committee. This book provides useful examples, tips, and suggestions on how to accomplish that. This book will also serve as an excellent guide for those who are new to audit committee interactions. It provides relevant background and several examples and templates that can be easily implemented and provide instant value to the reader.” — Yulia Gurman, CIA
Order copies for you and your audit committee. |
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New Research! The Power of Automation in Transforming Internal Audit
This is the third and final installment of a series of reports produced in partnership between Deloitte and the Internal Audit Foundation. It shows how the power of automation can be used to transform the control testing landscape through digital enablement and the creation of an internal audit analytics and automation operational model.
I want my complimentary report! |
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Coming Soon!
The Internal Audit Foundation is pleased to offer quality, relevant content in 2021 to help you navigate through today’s ever-changing challenges. In March, we are releasing Agents of Change: Internal Auditors in an Era of Disruption by IIA President and CEO Richard Chambers. In the next few months, we will issue reports on Business Resiliency, Digital Transformation, Emerging Technologies to Facilitate Second- and Third-Line Functions, Monitoring Third-Party Risk During Crises, and the results of Global Research on Internal Audit Competencies. |
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Are You a Writer or Researcher?
If you are a writer or researcher (or both!), please consider partnering with the Foundation on developing educational publications or research reports. |
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Become a Social Media Ambassador for the Foundation!
The role of our ambassadors is simple — once a month the Foundation sends prewritten messages for you to “cut and paste” into social media posts or to share with your colleagues via email.
“I became an ambassador because it was an easy way for me to support the Foundation — plus I get to help my professional network by sharing the latest research and publications. I encourage you to join me!” — Hossam El Shaffei, CCSA, CRMA
I want to be a Foundation Ambassador! |
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Be Instrumental
Yes, I want to make a contribution in support of the internal audit profession! |
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