The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation received more than $1 million in donations during the 2023-2024 fiscal year for the first time since the late ‘90s. The Foundation’s Board of Directors and college administrators celebrated following a board meeting on Thursday.
The annual total did not stem from lump sum gifts, which was the case of the transformational Taylor and Pitts family gifts to the college in the 90s, but instead came from a variety of sources including individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, and athletic camps. Giving to the Foundation has increased steadily over the past ten years, nearly doubling its total from five years ago.
“I am thrilled to reach such a big milestone this year. This is the result of a great effort of our whole team at Co-Lin,” said Angela Furr, who has served as executive director of the Foundation since 2018. “I am especially thankful for the hard work of our Foundation staff, coaches, board members, and all those who have helped us reach this point. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors, alumni, and corporate partners who continue to support the college and our students.”
This past year’s giving has assisted in unprecedented support for the college. During the year ending June 30, the Foundation awarded nearly half a million in scholarships to students and faculty, more than $250,000 to athletics, and $150,000 in other direct support of the college. Furr said she looks forward to seeing the Foundation provide even more support to the college in the coming years.
Co-Lin Foundation President Lauren Adkins echoed Furr’s sentiments. “This milestone represents an unprecedented level of support for the Foundation and its mission to enhance educational opportunities for all students thanks to generous alumni, community members and corporate partners,” Adkins said. “The Foundation’s board of directors, faculty and students extend their heartfelt thanks to all contributors for their unwavering support. The generosity displayed will make a lasting difference in the lives of countless students, opening doors to new opportunities and enabling them to reach their full potential.”
These gifts help make it possible for the college to continue creating new programs, providing scholarships to students, and making improvements to its campuses. State funding and tuition revenue does not cover all the costs associated with running the college, and the Foundation helps bridge those gaps.
The Co-Lin Foundation staff and our generous donors are vital to our success here at the college,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Each dollar given to the Foundation allows us to meet the growing needs of the college whether it be through student scholarships, purchasing much-needed equipment for our academic and career-tech programs, or updating our technology and facilities. Without the support of our donors, we simply could not do all that we do to make Co-Lin The Place To Be.”
The Co-Lin Foundation is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization which serves as the fundraising arm of the college. The Foundation is governed by a 25-member board of directors whose goal is to raise private monies to support the mission of the college. To make a tax-deductible give to Co-Lin, contact the Foundation office at 601-643-8313 or visit colin.edu to give online.
CUTLINE: The Co-Lin Foundation recently celebrated $1 million in revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Those present for the celebration included from left, Furr, Middleton, Adkins, incoming Foundation President Brad Jones, and Foundation treasurer Charles Hart.
