EFSC Foundation Newsletter August 2018 | Page 4

Page 4 Foundation Newsletter Foundation Newsletter DONOR SPOTLIGHT Senior Living Community starts a new scholarship! T he Resident’s Council of The Brennity at Melbourne has started a scholarship fund to benefit the employees of The Brennity at Melbourne. The Council is a committee of residents at the senior living center who represent the residents of the community with management. The Council came up with the idea to start the scholarship to recognize and encourage Brennity employees to attend Eastern Florida State College. “We want employees to have the opportunity to continue their education,” said John Bergman, Council member and resident. After a quick call to the EFSC Foundation, the wheels were in motion. The Council, with the help of the Foundation, solicited the residents to donate to the scholarship fund. The response was positive and the residents have already donated almost $7,500. They are hoping to raise enough money to endow the fund, which is a minimum of $25,000. The first scholarship will be awarded in fall 2018. This effort is a wonderful example of how a group of caring individuals worked together with a common desire to support the community, college and Foundation. Call Tonya Cherry at (321) 433-7055 if you are interested in starting a similar venture. The donor is involved in all aspects of planning and the amount of the scholarship. The donations are tax deductible and can even be part of your planned giving portfolio. We also offer options to donate to the Titan Endowment Fund and the needs of the Foundation in general, supporting scholarships and other college initiatives. There are many ways to support the college in groups or as individuals. Every dollar matters! The Resident’s Council Committee: pictured (left to right): Joan Borders, Rosalie Beltzner, Ruth Bentley, John Bergman (not pictured: Jacqueline Fieseler) Highlights in Giving to Education Was the fourth fastest growth subsector and has seen seven straight years of growth, averaging 8.2% per year Strong Support for Community Colleges Donations to community colleges in particular grew in 2016. According to CASE Fundraising Index, which surveys development professionals twice a year, community colleges realized the greatest increase in giving last year, at 7.2% . https://curtisgroupconsultants.com/positive-trends-seen-giving-community-colleges/