Our mission is to benefit, support, and enhance the California Community College system. As the official foundation of the California Community Colleges' Board of Governors and Chancellor's Office, the Foundation is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides effective services and innovative solutions for the largest higher education system in the nation. Foundation programs reach all 112 California Community Colleges and 72 districts, and several are expanding nationwide.


The Foundation develops programs and services that save millions of dollars for colleges and students, promote excellence in education, and provide valuable learning opportunities for students throughout the state. We also support the system through special initiatives, statewide awards, and direct donations to the colleges and the Network of California Community College Foundations. As we enter into our second decade as an organization, we are poised to bring much-needed support to our colleges and to provide even greater opportunities for our students and our state.

You can learn more about the Foundation for California Community Colleges by visiting its website at www.foundationccc.org.

The Foundation for California Community Colleges is spearheading the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment campaign to raise $100 million for students.

Here are five reasons you should get involved:

1. Good for California
Endowment scholarships support an educated workforce that is ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow. The California Community Colleges are our state’s largest workforce training provider, educating over 2.6 million students per year, including 70 percent of California’s nurses and 80 percent of all firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical technicians. They are also where 30 percent of UC and 60 percent of CSU students get their start.

2. Good for Students
Today approximately half of all California Community College students have unmet need, despite financial aid. Endowment scholarships provide at least $1,000 annually to financially strained students to help offset the rising cost of textbooks and supplies, making it possible for them to stay in school. Scholarships go to students with demonstrated financial need who have shown success in their studies.

3. A Permanent Solution
Contributions will be held in a permanent fund for student scholarships, helping to ensure that students for generations to come will have the opportunity to stay in school and reach their potential.

4. A Historic Campaign
This campaign, jump-started by the largest gift ever given to a community college, is making history by changing the way California Community Colleges raise funds to support students.

5. Double the Impact
The goal of the campaign is to double The Bernard Osher Foundation’s commitment of $50 million, which was divided into two parts. The first $25 million gift will begin funding student scholarships in 2009; the second $25 million is a challenge grant being used to incentivize other donors. Gifts received before June 30, 2011, will be eligible for a 50 percent match from the Osher Foundation.

To give to the Endowment, visit SupporttheEndowment.org, or call 916.498.6701.