The Friends of MCC Foundation is committed to providing financial support to the following needs which have emerged from the strategic planning process at McHenry County College. The funds needed to implement these priorities extend beyond the funding available through the college's operating budget.
We all know that technology is changing in every career field. The need for new equipment is overwhelming, far exceeding what the college operating budget can afford to cover. The Foundation seeks to establish a significant endowment to fund the equipment, facilities and software that will make new program development possible and will make sure that our current programs meet the industry standard. The earnings on this endowment will be used each year but the principal will remain intact forever.
The college seeks to strengthen the climate for innovation at the institution by encouraging faculty and staff to experiment and try new things to improve teaching and learning. To that end, the college has sought the foundation's support to fund a mini-grant program to which faculty and staff would apply, outlining their intended goals, activities and dollars required. This is a fund we seek to replenish each year with the goal of offering approximately $20,000 per year to fund grants.
The Friends of McHenry County College Foundation has provided scholarship assistance to over 100 students in the past year, but there remain a large number of unmet needs for scholarships and other forms of financial assistance. For too many students, the cost of college is still an insurmountable barrier. We have established and now need to fund a comprehensive endowment to broaden student access and opportunity. Primary emphasis is being given to students who would be the first in their family to complete college.
The Foundation has been a partner with the college for many years in its effort to enhance the visibility and scope of the arts on campus. The college is gaining a reputation as a center for the arts in McHenry County. Recent additions include an outdoor sculpture exhibit and acquisition program and the Performing Arts Festival. The Friends of MCC Foundation has been asked by the college to provide ongoing support for the Performing Arts Festival as well as a strengthened Second Sunday Concert Series, and funds to continue the acquisition of art for the collection. We also seek funds to support the lending and touring of the Portrait in Print Collection.