From the 2005-2006 Annual Report
This
past year was a year of great progress for the Foundation – progress that would not have been
possible without the extraordinary support, involvement and commitment provided
by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Their efforts, coupled with
those of our dedicated staff, have resulted in a significant strengthening
of the Foundation’s infrastructure, which has enabled us to raise
our performance to a new level of professional operation.
By building on the technological advancements made last year, the Foundation not only increased its capacity to communicate more efficiently with students as to the scholarships that are available, but also has streamlined the application process and administered those scholarships in a markedly more effective manner. This process resulted in a 25% increase in tuition scholarships being awarded this past year.
We also dramatically increased our grant writing capacity – a move which resulted in our securing an increase in foundation grant funding of more than 100% this past year.
The Foundation also took steps to further broaden our fundraising program by hosting two major events: the second annual International Holiday Wine Tasting and a new event - the Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show. These events were successful in raising additional scholarship dollars and in generating increased community awareness of the Foundation, its work and its goals.
But clearly the most important move the Foundation made this past year was to undertake a survey and begin planning the launch of our first Major Gifts Campaign - the logical successor to our Annual Corporate Appeal. Under the direction of Board Member Paul Antinozzi, who has agreed to chair the Campaign, the Board and Foundation will work closely with the Clements Group, L.C. – highly regarded specialists with proven expertise in assisting community colleges in planning and facilitating campaigns of this magnitude. Throughout the year, we will continue to update you as this landmark campaign takes its final form.
Great strides have been made this past year, and we look forward to continued
progress in the year ahead. With HCC celebrating its 40th year as an independent
academic institution, and as the long awaited expansion of the College
begins, we recognize that the 2006-07 academic year holds great promise
for us all.
Barbara P. Johnson
President, Housatonic Community College Foundation