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About the Foundation
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Mission
The mission of the Foundation is to aid, strengthen, and further in every proper and useful way the work and services of Blue Ridge Community College and to provide broader educational opportunities to its students, staff, faculty, and to the residents of Henderson and Transylvania Counties.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why does Blue Ridge Community College need private funding?
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Private philanthropy is and will continue to be what transforms a good college into an extraordinary one.
There are several reasons for a tax-assisted community college to seek private contributions. The budget required by the College is only partially met by state allocations. The state does not provide funds for the start-up of new programs, monies to purchase high-tech equipment, or dollars to support targeted opportunities or respond to creative and progressive teaching initiatives. We must seek private gifts and donor support to maintain and expand desire programs and services-as well as to provide scholarship assistance.
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Since tuition is low for a community college, why is there still a need for scholarship assistance?
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Most of our students are self-supporting and, as adults, are rooted in this community. Blue Ridge Community College is truly their only alternative for higher education. Many students are single parents or working full time while juggling family and other economic responsibilities. A gift of $500 to Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation, for many students, is the difference between continuing to pursue their career dream or not continuing at all. A scholarship of even $500 has a tremendous impact, compared with a similar gift made to a private or public university.
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Why does Blue Ridge need a Foundation?
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There are several reasons for the development of a Foundation to assist the College. Because of state restrictions on how community colleges may receive and disburse gifts and grants, fundraising is difficult, if not impossible. As a separate 501(c)(3) charity, the Foundation can receive investments from gifts of stocks, bonds, and real estate, which the College itself is prohibited from doing.
The Foundation is also an active channel to involve the community as well as the College's alumni, students, and employees in the overall growth and stability of Blue Ridge Community College. A strong Board of Directors, and Foundation members who are prominent and active citizens, not only opens doors to needed dollars, but can also help to inspire other citizens with an appreciation for the mission and future goals of the College.
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What can the Foundation do for the College?
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In fulfilling its mission, the Foundation provides financial assistance to students through scholarships, a work-study program, and emergency loans and grants; purchases state-of-the-art equipment for use in classrooms; sponsors faculty development through special projects; enables the College to achieve its institutional effectiveness goals; provides start-up costs for new programs; and solicits monies for other projects on campus. Private support through the Foundation enables Blue Ridge Community College to keep pace with the educational changes occurring in its service area and in the lives of its students, faculty, and staff, and the citizens it serves.
Even though the Foundation is a separate, legal entity, it serves as a vessel for broadening support for the College through the involvement of citizens who share in the College's mission and vision.
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Who is responsible for
the Foundation's operation?
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Maintaining public trust is central to the mission of Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation -- and its highest priority. Information about the Foundation's bylaws, policies, agreements, financial statements, events, and other matters are openly discussed while maintaining confidentiality. The Foundation meets a myriad of regulatory requirements governing operations as well as an annual audit by a licensed and professional certified public accounting firm.
The overall management of the Foundation is accomplished through its Board of Directors composed of business and professional leaders from the community and representatives of the College's administration and Board of Trustees. The daily operation of the Foundation is handled by the Executive Director and Foundation staff.
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How much of my gift actually goes to the College?
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Indeed, your entire gift donation goes to the College. The Foundation budgets a conservative amount of its annual funds to support recurring development expenses, and all members of the Board of Directors serve without compensation. Many services and materials are donated, and in-kind gifts are readily applied. None of your gift investment goes toward salaries, office space, utilities, or overhead costs.
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How can I participate in the Foundation?
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In addition to financial contributions, the Foundation welcomes in-kind gifts, as well as gifts of time and leadership to support the College in carrying out its mission of " . . . enriching the lives of those within our reach through education, training, and cultural activities." Please contact the Foundation office to discuss your interest in making a contribution.
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