News Releases

Clark College Foundation wins national fundraising award

One of 41 chosen for superior overall performance by CASE

VANCOUVER, Wash.–Clark College Foundation has been named a national fundraising leader with a prestigious award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

“This is a testament to the commitment of our donors. Their generosity to Clark College is paramount to the overall well-being and development of our community,” said Rick Takach, chair of the Clark College Foundation Board of Directors.

The foundation was one of 41 institutions chosen for the Educational Fundraising Award in the Overall Performance category. Other institutions selected in the category include Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton and Wesleyan universities, as well as Vassar and Wheaton colleges and the United States Naval Academy. CASE consists of more than 3,400 colleges, universities and other schools.

Clark is one of three colleges in the nation that was chosen in the public, two-year institutions sub-category. The others were Community College of Allegheny County and Northwestern Michigan College.

Lisa Gibert, president/CEO of Clark College Foundation, said that it is the region’s steadfast dedication that sets Clark apart. “I couldn’t be more proud," she said. "We are the community’s college and the people of Southwest Washington deserve the credit for their ongoing investment in the region’s future.”

The annual award honors CASE-member institutions that show “exemplary development operations.” Awards are given for overall performance and overall improvement in fundraising, according to Brian Flahaven, director legislative, foundation and recognition programs.

The selection process is data-driven and the judging is blind. The criteria include total support growth, alumni fundraising and impact of the 12 largest gifts.

Institutions submit three or more consecutive years of data via a survey called the Council for Aid to Education’s Voluntary Support of Education. This year, 1,011 higher education institutions were eligible for consideration. The number was narrowed to 429 institutions. Out of the 429, a total of 71 were selected for awards—41 for Overall Performance and 30 for Overall Improvement.

Established in 1973, the Clark College Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt public charity. It serves as the fundraising arm of Clark College to support student access to educational programs and services. It is nationally recognized for excellence in superior fundraising and is the recipient of the 2012 Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

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