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 ... offering dozens of 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.
ANNUAL REPORT:
The current Annual Report for the organization is posted on this Web site in PDF format. You may access this Report by CLICKING here.
BENEFITS & DUES:
There are three FACT membership tiers, with monthly dues ranging from $4 to $40. Benefits are scaled accordingly (see comparison chart). A partial description:
CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS: All 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: All FACT members can
nominate worthy community projects or teachers to receive a FACT grant.
Awards (up to $2,500) are made quarterly.
NEW BULLETINS: All members have access to timely news bulletins which are posted on the FACT whenever news of possible importance or interest to the consumer happens. These Reports are completely
non-biased, politically neutral, and nonpartisan.
DISASTER AID: This program helps to get instant cash (up to $250) into a members hands
immediately following a natural disaster or terrorist event. Any affected member can request help --there are no
claim forms, no lines, and no red-tape.
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.
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).
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.
NEWSLETTER: FACTFinder includes
information and advice which can enhance your financial situation, your health,
your knowledge base, and your overall well-being. Issues are posted regularly on the FACT Web site.
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 for all members: Hotel/Motel Discounts ... Car Rental Discounts
... Free Road Maps ... Discounts on Magellan Travel Gear ... and Amusement Park
Discounts
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.
In addition, all members are protected by a free Accident Insurance Policy -- with the maximum benefit ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, depending upon type of accident and membership level.
Members in the higher tiers are entitled to a large number of additional advantages, including:
Health Care Savings
+ Rx Discounts
+ Discounts on Dental, Vision and Hearing Care
+ Wellness Benefits (discounts from Jenny Craig, on stop-smoking programs and fitness equipment)
+
$250 Lump-sum Ambulance Benefit
+ In-hospital Accident Benefits
+ Alternative Care (discounts on chiropractic care, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc.)
+ Behavioral Health
Discounts (psychiatric exam, addition treatment, etc.)
+ Unlimited FREE consultations with primary care physicians and registered nurses
+ Family Crisis Fund, paying up to $5,000 for serious medical conditions
+ Long-term Care discounts
+ Free Electronic Health Record (EHR)
Expanded Shopping, Entertainment and Travel Discounts
Discounts up to 50% from more than 150,000 retailers
nationwide PLUS discounts from hotels, motels and resorts ... discounted travel and cruise packages ... grocery savings coupons ... movie tickets ... and more.
Entrepreneur Support Center
A wide range of services to help the independent business person not only survive -- but thrive! -- in today's complex world.
+
Tax services and legal help -- free or at a discount
+ Web hosting and services -- free for 30 days and at a 15% discount thereafter
+ Free advertising on the FACT Web site
+ Printing discounts
+ FedEx Online Office discounts
+ Freight/shipping discounts
+ A financial helping hand if profits are impacted by an unforeseen event
Identity Theft Protection
A FREE service which guards upper-tier members against identity theft and helps to restore their identity if stolen.
Home Relocation Services
Mortgage counseling and financing ... long-distance moving at a substantial discounts ... "settling-in" guidance and help ... all belong to members who choose FACT's highest tier.
REVIEW ALL 3 BENEFIT LEVELS. DETERMINE WHICH LEVEL BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS. THEN CLICK ON JOIN NOW AND EXPERIENCE THE ADVANTAGES OF BELONGING TO A FIRST-CLASS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VALUE-CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS. THERE IS NO RISK -- IF YOU DECIDE WITHIN 60 DAYS TO RETURN YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATERIALS, ANY DUES YOU'VE PAID UP TO THAT POINT WILL BE REFUNDED IN FULL.
F
ACT 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 FACTs Consumer Hotline immediately.