RANGELY | If I had a dollar for every time I was asked to explain what the Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) Foundation does, well…we could do even more. But let’s start at the beginning.
What is the Foundation’s purpose? The Foundation’s mission is to provide a sustaining stream of funding to benefit CNCC’s Mission: to enhance people’s lives by providing an accessible, affordable, quality education. Donor support enables CNCC to develop and enhance instructional programs, improve college facilities, offer student scholarships, and fund projects outside of the scope of traditional funding sources.
As a 501(c)3, the Foundation is a credible nonprofit accepting private gifts that donors can be sure will be used according to their wishes. The Foundation is also eligible to apply for grants that would otherwise be outside of the college’s reach.
Through outreach to alumni and business/industry, the Foundation encourages investment from both inside and outside of the region. This contributes to the local economy and provides for long-term sustainability of the college and its programs by building the donor base. The Foundation’s ability to accept legacy gifts and endowments also contributes to the sustainability of the college.
All of this leads back to the mission. Gifts to the Foundation provide student and program support to ensure that all students have access to affordable, quality educational opportunities.
Spring is a busy time for the Foundation. It’s when we hold some of our largest and most important fundraising events. For example, the 17th annual Foundation Dinner will be Saturday, March 27 from 5:30-9 p.m. in the Colorado Room on the Rangely campus. Last year’s in person event had to be canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions and we held an online auction in its place. This year we are excited to be able to hold this event in person again. However, to adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines, seating will be limited to 175 attendees and individuals will need to wear masks when away from their table. For those looking to attend, tickets are available on a first come-first served basis by contacting Sue Samaniego ([email protected] or 970-675-3216) or purchasing online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2021FoundationDinner. A new event will also be held in April. The CNCC Chair Affair is a unique week-long, online auction with a live kickoff on the CNCC Craig Campus on Monday, April 19 from 3-8 p.m. Auction items will include creative packages featuring “chairs.” These may be one-of-a-kind decorated items or new chairs packaged with related items. For more information go to https://cncc.edu/cncc-foundation-news.
Proceeds from these events go to CNCC scholarships and programs (80%), the unrestricted fund (10%), and the CNCC endowment (10%). Up to $40,000 will be matched dollar for dollar by a grant from the Colorado Department of Education’s Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative.
Thank you to all who support CNCC through the Foundation’s events and/or private gifts throughout the year.
Special to the Herald Times
