About Us

Support the AORN Foundation

Who We Are

In 1991, the AORN Foundation was created as the non-profit philanthropic arm of AORN, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses, to empower perioperative nurses in advancing patient and workplace safety through education and research.

The AORN Foundation is a national public, tax-exempt, charitable organization headquartered in Denver, CO dedicated to supporting nurses who make surgery safe.

  • AORN Foundation's Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight and ensures the Foundation fulfills its mission to advance patient safety by supporting nurses who make surgery safe through education, research and patient safety initiatives.

“As life permitted, my ability to support the Foundation grew”. Joan realized over time that she held a deep passion for supporting education, especially education for perioperative nurses.

Joan Spear, MBA, RN, CNOR, CRCST

Benefactors’ Society


The AORN Foundation established the Benefactors’ Society to recognize the generosity of individuals who donate $2,500 to the Annual Campaign Fund. Participation in the Benefactors’ Society is renewable annually and is based on unrestricted gifts made by a donor. The Annual Fund is critical to the success of the AORN Foundation in supporting our mission “to empower perioperative nurses in advancing patient and workplace safety through education and research.” 

Learn More About the Benefactors' Society.

Our Financial Stewardship

We remain committed to maintaining low fundraising and operating costs to maximize your investment in our mission.

Meet the Foundation Team

  • Colette Palmer, Director
  • Anne Kochevar, Development Specialist
  • Wendy Sinnema, Program Specialist

Contact Us

2170 South Parker Road, Suite #400
Denver, CO 80231-5711
Phone: (800) 755-2676
Fax: (303) 755-4219
Email: [email protected]