The "Securing Our Future" Endowment Campaign

About the Campaign
Feasibility Study
Case for Support (PDF)
Questions You May Have (PDF)
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BRCC Celebrates Successful Endowment Campaign

1/31/07 - Securing the future for education and workforce training in the Valley, Blue Ridge Community College has announced the successful completion of its “Securing Our Future” Endowment Campaign, which raised $6,629,377. The campaign, which began in Fall 2004, had a goal of $5.7 million to support BRCC’s vision of becoming a model educational institution known for exemplary programs, technological innovation, community leadership, and graduates who make a difference.

"It is clear to me that this community cares about providing quality education for its citizens. The overwhelming success of this endowment campaign and the resulting funds that enhance the BRCC college experience will ensure my personal goals in our community -- that is to maintain and improve educational opportunities for all who are wanting to learn. The community deserves the accolades for this project," noted Dr. Bruce M. Bowman, Campaign Chair.

The “Securing Our Future” campaign focused on raising endowed funds in four areas that directly impact students and the quality of the education and training they receive. The “Student Success Endowment” provides scholarship support so that those who wish to further their education and training can do so, regardless of their financial circumstances. The “Emerging Technology Endowment” ensures that Blue Ridge students have access to current technologies and applications prevalent in today’s workplace. The “Exceptional Teaching Endowment” supports faculty and curriculum development, thereby maintaining BRCC’s tradition of teaching excellence. The “Workforce Services Endowment” enables the College to provide the resources needed for high quality training and rapid response to local economic needs.

“I am absolutely thrilled with the extent of support this campaign had in our community. It has given me a chance to meet new friends and to learn more about how the college is making a difference in our communities. When we started, I never dreamed we would be this successful. So many people worked so hard to make it all happen. To them, I am very grateful. This campaign will truly help change lives; and, as a result, our community will be better for years to come because so many made an investment in BRCC and our students through this very special campaign,” stated Dr. James R. Perkins, President of BRCC.

Four hundred seventy-nine donors contributed to this campaign, with a remarkable 40% of those donors being first-time donors to the College. The largest gift commitment received was $500,000, and the average gift was $13,840. Fifty-three new named funds were established.

Campaign Highlights

• Amount of money raised in “Securing Our Future” Endowment Campaign (gifts, pledges, planned gifts) - $6,629,377
• Amount of money raised in “Pathways to the Future,” BRCC’s first major gifts campaign in 1996-97 - $2,029,733
• Increase in campaign total from first major gifts campaign to “Securing Our Future” Endowment Campaign - 226%
• Number of “Securing Our Future” campaign donors - 479
• Number of new donors to BRCC as a result of this campaign - 191
• Percentage of these campaign donors who are new - 40%
• Largest gift commitment received in this campaign - $500,000
• Amount of average gift received in this campaign - $13,840
• Number of campaign volunteers 130
• Number of new named funds established through this campaign - 53
• Number of new or renovated campus facilities being supported through this campaign - 7
• Number of planned gift commitments received as a result of this campaign - 13
• Value of planned gift commitments received as a result of this campaign - $1,287,488