Why Give

• In FY 2009, forty students were assisted in continuing their education with $25,000 in Foundation Undergraduate Grants.  This was a $5,000 increase from the previous fiscal year.  These funds become part of the student’s financial aid package and in many cases decreased future loan indebtedness.
• For FY 2010, the Foundation has committed $35,000 for Undergraduate Grants to needy students.
• The Foundation purchased an audio / visual system that allows for faculty training, student orientation, webcasts and web conferencing.  This is especially helpful in bringing together students, alumni, and faculty  from across the country.
• Provides funding for development of new online courses that target workforce initiatives.
• Supports the Women in Transition program (WIT).  This program has helped over 146 single mothers in low wage jobs to earn an Associate and /or Bachelor’s degree.  Eight WIT graduates have gone on to earn a Master’s degree. Surveys completed one year after graduation show benefits of earning a degree – average mean increase in salary is 46% , the positive effects (especially in terms of education) on the children, and increasing technology skills for the 21st century
• Development of a Master’s degree program.  In June 2009, the CT General Assembly enacted legislation that would allow the College to offer a Master’s degree.  Having heard from so many alumni about the need to offer a graduate degree and understanding that the State of CT will not have the resources to fund this initiatve, the Foundation Board is committed to help raising funds.

The Foundation continues to minimize expenditures.  Based on expenditures for FY09, 81% of the Foundation budget supported grants, scholarships and program innovations. By donating to the Charter Oak State College Foundation you will be assured your dollars are purposefully being allocated.

The State of Connecticut will contribute one dollar for every four you donate to the endowment.