The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) utilizes the unique skill sets of 800 Former Members of Congress to provide civic education and public service programs, both at home and abroad. Originally conceptualized as an alumni organization when it was founded in 1970 to keep Former Members connected on a social basis, it has grown into a non-profit offering substantive domestic and international programming for both Former and Current Members of Congress. While the organization has been chartered by Congress since 1983, it is not funded by Congress. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization. Thanks to its membership dues, annual fundraising event, donations, and grants from corporations and individuals, FMC holds a variety of programs across the nation and in numerous foreign countries at no cost to the taxpayer.