Guided by the state committees, these offices ensure the organisation’s on-the-ground presence in New Jersey, Connecticut and on Long Island, and play a critical role in the research, planning and advocacy for projects in their respective areas. The majority of the association’s income (81%) comes from its endowment, which is regularly increased by donations from members (individual and corporate). The rest is provided by grants from corporations and philanthropic entities (6%), paid events like seminars and congresses (2%) and funding campaigns (1%). This funding scheme allows the association a high degree of independence in the advice it provides to decision makers. The management of the association consumes 10% of the budget, public affairs 6% and fundraising 4%.