Foundation looks to graduates for donations

By Nikolina Hatton

An MHCC Foundation attempt to get this year’s graduates to donate “2006 pennies” is as much an effort to get the foundation’s name out to the new alumni as it is to raise money, said Brenda Brady, who picked up the idea at a workshop and works as special assistant to the president.

“I don’t expect to get a big response,” she said. However, it seemed like an inexpensive and easy-to-implement effort.

The foundation sent out slips asking for the donations in all the graduation packets. She said even raising $500 through the effort would be great because “anything is more than we had before.”

Asked why they were asking students who may not have the money to donate, she said that’s why they asked for a modest amount.

“I know there are a lot of students who can’t afford $20,” but some can and it might remind them to give in the future, she said. Then there is also the possibility family and friends of graduates might want to get involved because anyone is welcome to participate.

She wants students to be aware that the foundation exists and that there are ways to give back. She wants the foundation to “be on the radar screen” of organizations for these alumni to give to.

The foundation holds assets of $2.9 million. She said it is an “organization set up separate from the college” that accepts donations on behalf of the school. She said most of the money goes to fund foundation scholarships and equipment for specific programs.

Donors can specify where they want their money to go.

Brady said in an email, “The foundation holds funds for several specific programs or departments in ‘special restricted accounts’, which means that money deposited into those accounts must be used for that program or department.”

A donor can also specify that they would like their money to go specifically to foundation scholarships.

Anyone who gives will receive a thank you letter and a receipt. Donations are 100 percent deductible.