Fundraising Milestone: Montgomery College Foundation Raises Over $5.4 Million Towards Student Success

In a fundraising year like no other, the Montgomery College (MC) Foundation surpassed its $5 million goal through the generosity of a caring community and the hard work of a dedicated staff.  As the fiscal year concluded and the final numbers were tallied, a total of $5,434,148 was raised. These resources will lift and support students in the days, months and years ahead and ultimately will change the lives of thousands of students.

In addition to the many scholarships awarded this year, the Montgomery College Foundation also assisted more than 2,000 students with emergency assistance needs related to the global pandemic, totaling over $1 Million in support.

Executive Director of the MC Foundation Joyce Matthews said, “I am so proud of our team who worked through unprecedented circumstances to exceed our goal. In a relationship-focused profession, the MC Foundation staff found a way to reach our constituents and communicate the needs of our students without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. Fortunately, technology did not diminish our ability to show the impact philanthropy can and does have.”

Some highlights from the last year include:

• 47 NEW scholarships created
• 330 donors contributed to emergency funding totaling $198,451
• $697,900 raised for Presidential Scholars Program Scholarships

Reaching this goal was made possible, thanks to all of the community partners who support our students. Holy Cross Health has pledged $500,000 to enhance the educational opportunities for Montgomery College students, Holy Cross and MC employees, and community members, as well as to create workforce development and career opportunities in nursing and health sciences.

Another community partner, Westat, made a 10-year commitment to support the Presidential Scholars Program. The Presidential Scholars Program will be open to students of all backgrounds who are committed to increasing the representation of men of color in high workforce need areas. The program will provide financial aid support, academic support, student support services, and internal and external mentors.

In addition, the Healthcare Initiative Foundation has committed more than $375,000 to the MC Foundation over the next five years in a joint grant with the Universities at Shady Grove, which will provide scholarships, life awards, and wraparound educational and career supports to 28 nursing, public health, and behavioral health/social work students at each institution annually.

Matthews added, “there are many others who helped us achieve our goal. We are deeply grateful to all who answered the call to support MC students in need during this challenging year.”