Your gifts provide hope. That simple fact came through in one of the comments shared by Elizabeth Paul, an outstanding student at Bethel University who has shared her story.

We don’t always think of it that simply, but we should. Opening doors for students to attend college is all about hope.

Our 125 donors gave nearly $2 million in the last fiscal year. That was phenomenal; it was the highest total in more than 20 years. We are so grateful for the support. This support makes it possible for Elizabeth to receive the Meslow First Generation Scholarship — and for more than 300 other students to receive the scholarship and other support they need to achieve their educational goals.

Fueled by your support, our students are preparing for what’s next, for how they’re going to contribute and step up once they graduate.

Consider Kevin Arthur, a student at Saint John’s University who shared his experiences with the Eddie Phillips Scholarship for African-American Men. “This scholarship has given me the opportunity to connect with and mentor younger students,” he said. “The network that I’ve built and the connections I’ve made have set me on the path to success.” The personalized education that students receive at the 17 Fund member institutions makes the difference.

You and our other donors understand the value of supporting college students. And some have known it for years. In fact, we had our first donor reach the 70-year benchmark — Xcel Energy. You can see all of our donors recognized below and in the 2021-22 Donor Report.

We are so thankful. Your gift to the Minnesota Private College Fund reflects your commitment to helping others and the welfare of our state as a whole.

With gratitude,

Paul Cerkvenik
President, Minnesota Private College Fund

Rebecca Bergman
President, Gustavus Adolphus College
Chair, Minnesota Private College Fund Board of Directors

Ann Houser
President, Ann Houser Coaching and Consulting
Chair, Fundraising Committee, Minnesota Private College Fund

Minnesota Private Colleges are the grateful beneficiaries of the generosity of 117 donors whose commitments to the Fund in fiscal year 2023 totaled $1,687,575.

The gifts made in fiscal year 2023 are the second highest fundraising total of the past 20 years, which is heartening to see. The result? Our member institutions will benefit from more than $130,000 in operating support and more than 300 students will receive scholarships.

It is especially encouraging that 14 new donors made gifts to the Fund, six lapsed donors resumed giving, and 16 others were able to provide increases over their previous gifts.

In the 2023 fiscal year we also saw $696,984 in gifts and pledges toward future campaigns. Federated Insurance Companies, Martin & Brown Foundation, John & Karen Meslow, R.D. Offutt Company, and the Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota all committed to future scholarship support. In addition, the Helen Harrington Charitable Trust continued to provide the Fund’s largest gift of unrestricted operating dollars each year.

We proudly recognize our corporate, foundation and individual donors from across Minnesota who give to the Minnesota Private College Fund. Their gifts support the more than 56,000 students at our 17 colleges and universities. They fund scholarships that help make college affordable for deserving students and contribute general operating support for our institutions' most pressing needs. We salute all our donors for their generosity and visionary commitment to higher education!

We appreciate the generosity of all of our donors. These gifts make such a difference, helping open doors for a private college education.