For many years, colleges and universities have depended on their Foundations for additional support and resources, but 30 years ago foundations for community colleges were rare. Because of the foresight of dedicated community leaders, the Spoon River College Foundation was officially established as a 501(c)3, Not for Profit Corporation in 1979. The Foundation’s original mission was “to support the
general welfare of Spoon River College…for educational, service, capital, and other institutional needs.” As you can see above, the intent of that mission, while broadened, essentially remains the same today. Since 2000, the Foundation and the college have provided over one million dollars for scholarships and college programs, innovation grants, faculty research, facility and technology upgrades, and community projects. The Foundation Board of Directors works hand-in-hand with the college’s Board of Trustees and Administration to ensure that “excellent educational opportunities” are possible for ALL residents in the college’s district and beyond. Contributions to the Foundation are given in many ways--through donations, naming rights opportunities, grants, personal or organizational scholarships, fundraising activities, planned gifts, Employee Campaigns and so much more. Our current endowment is well over $2 million and growing! For over three decades, hundreds of students have been able to achieve their educational goals because of scholarships awarded through the Foundation. Faculty members have received support for innovative activities through funds awarded by the Foundation, and new furnishings and Technology Enhanced Classrooms have been added to the college’s campuses and centers. All of this is due to the good stewardship practices by our Board of Directors and because of committed supporters like you. While times have changed and the college has grown to support an additional campus in Macomb, centers in Rushville and Havana, and Community Outreach Centers in Macomb and downtown Canton, the intent of the Foundation remains the same. Today, the Foundation Board of Directors represents the entire 1,566 square miles of Illinois Community College District 534 which includes portions of Fulton, Schuyler, McDonough, Knox, and Mason counties. Learn more about the SRC Foundation by visiting http://www.src.edu/foundation.
