Dear Colleagues:
Thank you so much for your continued support of the Stark State College Foundation Annual Employee Campaign.
Each year we come to you and humbly ask for donations to support our students – and each year you respond because you know you’re planting the seeds of positive impact.
As we kick off the 2023 Employee Annual Fund Campaign, we first want to recognize your dedication to helping our students grow and flourish every single day. You support our students in your daily work at the College, and we appreciate you.
Which is why we’re always impressed by the extra generosity you continue to show in donating to the Stark State College Foundation Annual Employee Campaign as well. We thank you – but mostly our students thank you.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization that supports our students and College through scholarships, projects, faculty and staff professional development and other initiatives. The Foundation also raises funds for academic programs, facilities and equipment. Your gift, large or small, really does make a difference. It’s our hope you’ll consider a gift to this year’s Annual Fund Campaign to continue that legacy.
Our past employee participation rate exceeded 48%, demonstrating your desire to help students, remove obstacles to their success and encourage them to persevere. You choose to sow the seeds of student growth, which is this year’s campaign theme: Planting Hope: for our students and our community.
The Stark State College Foundation was founded more than 35 years ago through the generosity of our own faculty and staff. As our Foundation has grown and expanded, we raise more than $1 million annually from companies, foundations and individuals to support your efforts and those of our students.
We all know students who need a little support, and we know how important our support is to our students. Plus, external stakeholders are more motivated to support Stark State because of our employee support.
In the midst of more obstacles than ever for our students, we’re asking you to consider helping them bloom with a donation to this year’s Employee Annual Campaign.
Sincerely,
Dr. Para M. Jones
President, Stark State College
Patrick S. Roberts, Ph.D.
Vice President of Marketing, Advancement and Partnerships
What is the time period?
The 2023-24 Employee Annual Fund Kickoff Campaign begins on September 6 and completes October 20.
Why participate?
The campaign is an important part of who we are at Stark State College. Everyone works directly or indirectly for our students. The Foundation’s work benefits students, faculty and staff through scholarships, equipment and professional development dollars. This is your opportunity to make a financial investment in our students, especially when 100% of your donation is applied to the fund of your choice. Your participation in our campaign will not only provide student financial assistance, it will provide an advantage in attracting additional external donations which ultimately support student completion, retention and recruitment. Please return your pledge form today or donate online at www.starkstate.edu/employeeannualfund/donate/.
What's the goal?
Last year we achieved 48% employee participation and raised just under $50,000. This year, Planting Hope together, our target is 50% participation with a total donation goal of more than $50,000.
For example, if every employee donated $5 a pay or $130 annually, this compares to giving up one Starbuck’s coffee bi-weekly for the next calendar year and employee giving would exceed $60,000 in total annual donations. 100% of every gift, great and small, positively impacts our students’ success.
What amount should I give?
Each person should decide what is right based on individual philanthropy. Whether $5 a pay or creating your own scholarship at $40 a pay, your gift helps our students grow and brings us closer to our Foundation goal of 50% employee participation.
Where does the money go?
Over the past 35 years, the Stark State College Foundation has given more than $8 million in scholarship funds to more than 15,500 students. During the 2022-23 fiscal year the Foundation raised over $1.2 million for student scholarships, college projects, programs and instructional needs.
What is an endowed scholarship and how do I establish one?
An endowed scholarship is a permanent charitable scholarship invested with a long-term strategy within a large portfolio in order to provide income into perpetuity without invading the principal while protecting the investment. A tax-deductible donation of $5,000 or more, payable over five years or less, will establish an endowed scholarship. Your $40 per pay payroll deduction over 26 pays for five years would achieve a $5,200 endowment donation. Contact Advancement at ext. 4415 for more information.
What's next?
- Choose to participate in our Employee Annual Fund Campaign. Your donation is important.
- Make your donation by Oct. 20 online or complete and return your signed pledge/payment form to foundation@starkstate.edu or the Foundation Office in S306.
- The payroll deduction, scheduled by calendar year, begins Jan. 12 or your first payroll in 2024.
- If you have any questions stop by the Foundation Office in S306 or contact Juanita Robinson at 330-494-6170 ext. 4643 or foundation@starkstate.edu.