The Global Moving Foundation was originally founded in 2002 as the Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Fund (AFWSF). At the 40th Annual Meeting & Expo of the International Association of Movers (IAM), President Terry Head announced the establishment of the AFWSF, which was created to honor Alan F. Wohlstetter for his role as one of the founders of the Household Goods Forwarders Association of America (HHGFAA)—the organization that later became IAM—and for his continued contributions to the Association.

The AFWSF began awarding up to ten (10) $5,000 USD scholarships annually to students for higher education in 2004. In 2022, it expanded its offerings by providing $500 USD awards to moving and relocation industry professionals for continuing education.

To recognize the scholarship fund’s 20th anniversary, the AFWSF Board embarked on a strategic planning process to redefine its mission and vision. This initiative culminated in the announcement of a new mission and vision during the IAM Annual Meeting in 2023. A major component of the plan was a rebranding effort to better align the organization with its evolving objectives to serve the international moving industry. Building on the legacy of the scholarship fund, the Board voted to rename the organization to the Global Moving Foundation, with the formal rebranding announcement made at the IAM Annual Meeting & Expo in October 2024. Additionally, the educational scholarships were renamed the Wohlstetter Academic Awards in honor of Alan F. Wohlstetter.

The Global Moving Foundation is dedicated to advancing and supporting the moving and relocation industry through education, research, charitable initiatives, and humanitarian aid efforts. We are excited to work with our industry partner network to advance the professionalism and viability of our workforce and foster a culture of accessibility, excellence, and continuous improvement. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the Global Moving Foundation operates independently with its own board of directors and budget.

We encourage you to learn more about the original namesake of the organization, Alan F. Wohlstetter, by watching the video below.