New College Foundation Raises $9.1 Million

August 11, 2021 – Sarasota

The New College Foundation recently marked its most successful year of fundraising in the organization’s history. According to Executive Director MaryAnne Young, the Foundation raised $9.1 million in gifts and commitments for New College of Florida in the 2020-21 fiscal year. That record-breaking level of support reflects an ongoing trend of significant philanthropic contributions to New College over the past five years. Young adds that a major portion of these funds comes from individual donors and foundations in the Sarasota-Manatee community. 

“New College’s generous donors made this record-breaking year a reality—and we’re deeply grateful to all of them,” says Young. She adds that, “Our ardent supporters in the local community really made a huge impact for our students. They recognize New College’s importance in this community and beyond. Their unstinting response makes it possible for us to grow, serve more students, and create productive and inspired environments for learning.”

According to Young, fundraising has become a critical financial component to institutions of higher education across the nation. “New College is no exception,” she says. “Raising funds for student scholarships and student success remains a top priority at the New College Foundation.”

Although New College is a public institution, and receives generous funding from the state of Florida, private donor and foundation support make it possible to maintain its status as one of America’s leading public liberal arts colleges. “Our scholarship program closes the gap, and it makes our commitment to excellence possible,” Young says. “The gifts we receive today pave the way for our students’ future life and career success.”  

The Foundation also received significant contributions from alumni, faculty, parents, and area foundations. “We’re especially grateful to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation,” she says. “They continue to unflinchingly support our scholarship and internship programs—especially those created for underserved students here in Sarasota and Manatee.” 

Young notes that considerable funds were raised during “O’Shea Formula” last May. This virtual event celebrated New College’s outgoing president Donal O’Shea’s accomplishments, prior to his retirement in June. The Foundation established the Donal B. O’Shea Scholarship Endowment in honor of Dr. O’Shea’s legacy. It also launched a campaign to raise funds to refurbish the three student residence halls designed by the renowned architect I.M. Pei.

What’s the secret sauce to this fundraising track record?

“We’re so fortunate to have a hardworking, hands-on board of directors,” says Young. “They’re laser-focused on supporting New College’s students—and they’re determined to set them on the path to achievement, both academically and long after they graduate. Our board members passionately believe in New College’s mission and want to see it thrive far into the future.” Young also shouts out praise to the Foundation’s hardworking staff. “They tirelessly strive for excellence in everything they do,” she says. “They make an amazing difference every day.”

Young adds that New College has seen profound changes over the six decades since it was founded in 1960. “Despite these transformations, New College has never wavered from its core mission: We prepare intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement. It thrives today as the State of Florida’s honors college and one of the finest, affordable liberal arts colleges in the United States. The Foundation exists to raise funds to support students and open the doors to a world-class college education for young people who might otherwise have been shut out.”

According to Young this profound support is vital. 

“For the last 60 years, New College has set the standard for excellence in a liberal arts education in this country,” she says. “I’m confident that we’ll continue to do so for another 60 years. We have our incredibly generous supporters to thank for it.”

For more information about New College Foundation, call 941-487-4800 or visit https://www.ncf.edu/alumnaei-and-friends/giving/the-foundation/.