Setting up a Valencia Foundation Scholarship
The Valencia Foundation seeks to provide students with sufficient scholarships to ensure that no Central Florida resident is denied access to at least an associate degree because of financial need. Endowments provide Valencia with predictable and assured sources of financial assistance that guarantee economic access to higher education for those who are economically disadvantaged.
- Why do we need your support?
- What does it cost to attend Valencia?
- How can you help?
- Why not endow a baccalaureate scholarship?
- Who invests and administers your donation?
- How can I make a donation today?
Why do we need your support?
Starting students on the road to success represents an important investment in our nation's future. Financial access to higher education becomes increasingly difficult as public aid diminishes, tuition escalates, and the costs of child care, text books, transportation, and living expenses make it harder for many to attend college.
Valencia continues to be the best start for minority students, women, individuals with disabilities and first-time college students. Community colleges educate 65 percent of tomorrow's health care professionals, and surveys show that people of all ages are making community colleges their first choice for computer and technology training. About half of our students are the first generation in their families to attend college. The average family income for community college students is the lowest of all segments of higher education. Because most attend part-time, they do not qualify for federal financial aid. Scholarships can make a critical difference. Many students financially, academically or socially are not prepared to attend a university immediately upon high school graduation. Valencia affords them the time to save their dollars, strengthen their academic skills, and prepare for independent living once they transfer to a baccalaureate degree.
What does it cost to attend Valencia?
It costs about $1,800 for a full-time credit student to attend Valencia for a year…about half that of public universities and a small percentage of private school tuition. But tuition is still out of reach for many students. Plus, the price of books is escalating to an average of $1,500 a year.
How can you help?
A minimum gift of $25,000 will endow a perpetual scholarship that will support Valencia students forever. You as a donor designate the name of the scholarship and its qualifications. Based on the foundation's current scholarship structure, endowed scholarship awards may not exceed 3 percent of yearend account value based on market performance and board policy.
The foundation recognizes all endowed scholarships through a donor recognition system installed on the campus of the donor's choice. The donor wall helps teach our students about the values inherent in private philanthropy and encourage them to carry on this rich heritage and tradition. Ongoing scholarships are listed in the college financial aid office, the college catalog and on the web site.
Why not endow a baccalaureate scholarship?
You may elect to endow a baccalaureate-level scholarship, which will benefit both Valencia and a university. You specify the university(ies) that are eligible for our transfer students or leave the selection to the student. You may also select any, some or all accredited colleges and universities in the United States. This allows both institutions to benefit from your gift.
Who invests and administers your donation?
The Valencia Foundation is a separate, not-for-profit, IRS-approved 501(c)(3) corporation chartered to provide financially for the educational needs of Valencia Community College that cannot be met through state aid or student tuition income. 46 community leaders volunteer generously of their time, talent, and resources to support Valencia 's students by serving on the Foundation's Board.
The Foundation's investment strategy seeks to provide a maximum return by balancing growth and income and assuming a prudent degree of risk. The endowments are managed by recognized professionals investing in a diversified portfolio intended to provide predictable income and achieve an appreciation of capital after factoring for inflation. 100% of your contribution goes directly for its intended purpose. No donor contributions or endowment income are used for Foundation expenses.
How can I make a donation today?
Contributions may be made by cash, check, credit card (American Express, Visa or Master Card), securities, gifts of property or other saleable assets, bequest, revocable or irrevocable trusts, charitable gift annuities, and electronic transfer of funds.
If you are interested in adding to an existing scholarship fund or establishing a new one, please contact us at the address and telephone number below. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Valencia Foundation
Donna Dudash
Manager, Donor Stewardship
190 S. Orange Avenue
Orlando , FL 32801
Phone: (407) 582-3150
Fax: (407) 582-3156