RCC Foundation

1. Why does the College need private funding?

There are several reasons for a tax-assisted community college to seek private contributions. One objective of the Foundation is to assist in the stability of the College's educational services. The budget required by the College is only partially met by state allocations, and RCC is challenged to meet the fiscal needs of its educational program. These include: Student aid and scholarship programs; teaching excellence, and quality support services to include library, graphic arts, media center; outcome assessment tracking; heightened literacy awareness; faculty and staff professional development; cultural advancement, and facility improvements. Private charitable contributions made to RCC through the Foundation will enable the College to continue meeting its objectives of providing a comprehensive community-based educational program to the citizens of Robeson County and the surrounding area.

2. Why does RCC need a Foundation?

There are several reasons for the development of a Foundation to assist the College. Because of state restrictions on how community colleges may receive and disburse gifts and grants, fund-raising is difficult, if not impossible, for the College. As a separate body, the Foundation can receive investments from gifts of stocks, bonds, and real estate, which the College itself is prohibited from doing. The Foundation is an active channel to involve community leaders in its operation. A strong Board of Directors who are prominent and active citizens not only opens doors to needed dollars, but can also help to inspire other citizens with an appreciation for the goals and objectives of the College. The Foundation provides a way for the entire community, as well as the College's alumni, students, and employees to participate in the overall stability of RCC.

3. What can the Foundation do for the College?

The Foundation solicits and receives gifts from individuals, corporations, or any other sources. Such gifts may be directed specifically or may be given without restrictions to be used as determined by the Board of Directors.

4. Who is responsible for the Foundation’s operation?

The direct management of the Foundation maintained by the is in its Board of Directors, composed of business and professional leaders from the community and representatives of the College's administration staff and Board of Trustees. RCC's President, as well as members of the Robeson Community College Board of Trustees, serves as permanent Board members.

5. What is the relationship between the Foundation and the College?

Even though the Foundation is a separate, legal entity, it serves as a vessel for broadening the support for the College through the involvement of community citizens.

6. How can I participate in the Foundation?

Each citizen who makes a contribution to the Robeson Community College Foundation, Inc. becomes a member of the Foundation. But in addition to financial contributions, the Foundation welcomes gifts of time and leadership to support the College in carrying out its purpose.