About the Foundation

In an area of the Commonwealth that suffers from one of the highest unemployment rates and the lowest educational attainment levels, the role of BCC and the BCC Foundation is to provide access to quality education in a wide variety of ways which is recognized, appreciated, and in much demand.

The BCC Foundation was founded in 1980 as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit charity. Funds raised by the Foundation provide scholarships, interest-free emergency student loans, and grants for special academic programs and equipment. A volunteer board directs the Foundaton.

Annual gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and private businesses are an investment in the College and in the community.  Donations make a vital difference in the quality of education BCC can offer its students.

As of June 30, 2007, the BCC Foundation had total net assets of $9,751,883. During the 2006-2007 academic year, the BCC Foundation provided program funding to the College in the amount of $658,784; emergency student loans of $39,055; and scholarships in the amount of $175,000.

Standing Committees

The standing committees are as follow:

Grants Committee
This committee is charged with recommending the distribution of grants to the College community. A request for proposals is sent to faculty and staff in the spring. A description of the project or equipment is required, along with a budget or price quote, how funding will help students and how many students will be assisted by the use of equipment or program/project. The requests for funding must be approved by the dean of the area submitting the grant.

The committee meets in May to review and rank all proposals. Members consider past requests and also try to distribute funds across academic disciplines and service areas of the College. Funding recommendations by the Grant Committee must be approved by the full Board, which typically occurs at the June meeting to make funding available for the next academic year. The funding for Foundation grants come from unrestricted donations to the annual fund and from the proceeds of the annual golf tournament and gala.

Finance Committee
This committee meets once each quarter to review the Foundation's investments. The Committee is governed by the Foundation's Investment and Spending policy. Actions deemed necessary by the Finance Committee may be conducted with a majority vote of the Committee. The Finance Committee reports to the Board on actions taken. Changes to policy must be approved by the full board before implementation.

Annual Fund Committee
While all members on the Board of Directors are expected to actively participate and support the annual fund campaign, the Annual Fund Committee plans and directs fund raising. The chair of the Annual Fund Committee signs letters to donors and prospects. Gift processing and acknowledgment is done by the Development Office. The Annual Fund Committee presents the theme, calendar, and any special fund raising projects to the Board. The College President and Dean of Resource Development work closely with this committee to make direct contacts for major gifts and grants for special projects.

The campaign is launched in the fall with a letter to all donors and prospects. A second letter is sent in December for year-end gifts. Another request is sent to past donors who haven't yet given in late February with a phonathon scheduled for early spring. The campaign calendar is consistent with the Foundation's fiscal year which runs from July 1 to June 30.

Gala Committee
The Gala Steering Committee selects, plans, promotes, and volunteers for the annual Foundation Gala. The cultural/social event draws between 400-600 attendees from the community. The concert and reception were first sponsored in 1981 as the Foundation's major fund raising event with ticket sales and donations solicited for a program book. In 1995, the emphasis changed to a social and cultivation event, with proceeds derived from corporate sponsorship and ticket sales.

Volunteer of the Year Award Committee
The Maury Kusinitz Volunteer of the Year award is given by the Foundation each year during the President's Dinner in May. The award is named after Mr. Kusinitz, a business leader and a founding member of the Foundation in 1980, and who provided leadership and service on the Board of Directors until 1991. The committee sends a memo and application form to the campus community to invite nominations for this award. Those nominated can be a volunteer in any area of the College, but cannot be a current member on any governing board. The committee's recommendation must be approved by Board vote.

Nominations Committee
The Nominations Committee is charged with recruiting recommendations for appointments to the Board of Directors. Individuals recommended are asked to submit a resume and meet with a representative of the Foundation Board. This consists of a member of the Nomination Committee or Executive Board, the President of the College, and/or the Dean of Resource Development. The Nominations Committee presents its recommendations to the Board for vote. Directors are appointed for a three-year term.

The Nominations Committee also contacts current Directors when their terms are up for reappointment and recruits the slate of officers, every two years or when a vacancy occurs.