The holiday season is a special time for giving. During these difficult financial times, however, many organizations compete for that extra boost that helps them get through the year and supports the many needs in our communities. As you consider ways to make a difference for others this year, please consider a tax-deductible financial gift to the Riverland Community College Foundation.

The sole purpose of the Riverland Community College Foundation is to raise, manage, and distribute resources to support, enhance, and promote the educational opportunities Riverland Community College offers the people of our region.

Affording a college education is more challenging than it has ever been, but for most a college education is an important pathway to help secure a career, especially one with openings available in today’s competitive job market. The Riverland Community College Foundation awarded $205,625 in scholarships to students during 2010-2011. This is $105,180 more than 2009-2010 and the most ever awarded in a single academic year by the Foundation. Of these 294 scholarships, the average award was approximately $700.

That seems like a successful accomplishment. Yet, we still turn away too many deserving students due to a lack of funding. Consider, too, that the annual tuition at Riverland is approximately $5,000. Students receiving a scholarship have taken responsibility for their lives and committed to improving themselves through education. They show the desire and determination needed to pursue their future. Your contribution could help other students like them achieve their goals.

Your support will help the Foundation provide scholarships to qualified students. Riverland college students are more than just traditional students beginning college out of high school. They are also mature adults returning to college later in life. Some are dislocated workers seeking additional training to regain meaningful employment in our communities. Most are working one or more jobs and struggling to make ends meet.

Donors may contribute to the Foundation in a number of different ways.

• Named scholarships established in the name of a donor or an individual honored or memorialized.
• Endowed scholarships are donations of $10,000 or more and may be named for someone special, a business or organization as determined by the donor. Only the interest income, in accordance with the donor’s wishes, funds a specific purpose or area of greatest need. Endowment gifts help Riverland students in perpetuity.
• Financial gifts to instructional programs to equip classrooms or labs with the latest tools, technology and equipment.
• Planned giving allows you to make a meaningful charitable gift through your will and enjoy tax relief.

Donors may give through gifts of cash, securities, real and personal property. No gift is too small or too large! For more information about giving to the Riverland Community College Foundation, please contact the Foundation Office at 507-433-0630 or visit www.riverland.edu/foundation. Please consider Riverland Community College Foundation in your giving and help us share your gift with our students. Thank you for your continued support and kindness. Have a wonderful holiday season!