60 Seconds with…Donna Varner Director of Events for MHI

Donna Varner, MHI
Title: Director of events and administration for MHI, executive director for MHEFI
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Experience: More than 30 years in sales and marketing, including 15 years at MHI.

Modern: Donna, let’s start with the simple question: What does MHEFI stand for, and what does the foundation do?

Varner: MHEFI stands for the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the mission to provide financial support for educational programs designed to engage and retain talent for the materials handling, logistics and supply chain industry.

Modern: How did the foundation get started?

Varner: MHEFI was established in 1976 by the MHI Board of Directors. We received a $3,000 seed donation from the Harnischfeger Corporation and Henry Harnischfeger, which was matched by MHI members. With that start, MHEFI awarded the first two scholarships for the 1976-1977 academic term. Since then, MHEFI has supported more than 1,000 students and educators seeking pathways to quality educational programs and fulfilling careers.

Modern: That’s a lot of people the foundation has supported. How are you funded?

Varner: MHEFI receives its funding through generous contributions from MHI and MHEDA members, MHI Industry Groups, named funds and endowments, and other general donations. And, of course, we receive support from generous donors within the MHI community.

Modern: What’s the latest MHEFI news?

Varner: We awarded a record 46 scholarships totaling $177,100 for the 2022-2023 academic year. We just launched the Call for Scholarships for the 2023-2024 year, and we are hoping to be able to support just as many or more students this year. It’s 100% dependent on the generous contributions we receive.

Modern: How do I, or someone at my company, get information about applying for a scholarship?

Varner: Undergraduate students can apply for one of the many scholarships offered by the Foundation at MHEFI.smapply.org. They first need to register on the website and request a nomination from a professor, advisor or employer. Once the nomination is complete, the students will be invited back to the website to complete the online application.

Modern: This is the time of year when many individuals contribute to non-profits and charitable organizations. How can I make a contribution to MHEFI?

Varner: The foundation accepts contributions by check or credit card. Checks can be mailed to MHEFI, 8720 Red Oak Blvd., Suite 201, Charlotte, NC 28217. Credit card donations can be made at mhi.org/mhefi/donors. MHEFI is a charitable organization, so contributions may be tax deductible.

Donors should consult a tax professional if there are any questions, and 90% of contributions go to foundation programs to engage and retain talent for our industry. MHI members earn Loyalty Points for their donations to MHEFI, starting at a minimum contribution of $500. Another benefit is that employees and family members of member companies and participating associations are eligible to apply for scholarships.

For more information about MHEFI or to get involved in supporting students, visit mhefi.org or you can contact Donna Varner at [email protected].