Mount Community Meets Challenge of
$1 Million Kresge Foundation Grant

Mount St. Mary’s College has been awarded a challenge grant of $1 million from The Kresge Foundation. This is an “all or nothing” grant called upon the Mount community to come together to help raise $4 million in order to earn the $1 million grant.

The College is proud to announce that, as of January 2008, Mount alumnae, students, faculty, staff, and friends have met this challenge -- well before the foundation's fund-raising deadline of June 30, 2008.

Winning this prestigious Kresge grant was an extremely competitive process: The Kresge Foundation has $3 billion in assets and gives grants to nonprofits throughout the world, but typically only one quarter of all applicants receive an award. And, in recent years, less than 20 percent of the Kresge grants were in the million-dollar range.

The foundation’s mission is to strengthen nonprofit organizations that advance the well being of humanity—and with its $1 million award, Kresge has given the Mount community a resounding vote of confidence. “We are particularly impressed with the college’s significant enrollment by first-generation college students of diverse backgrounds and the engagement of your students in community outreach,” said Rip Rapson, president and CEO of the Kresge Foundation.

While the $1 million pledged by The Kresge Foundation will be used for science labs and classrooms at Chalon, any additional donations you give can be applied to any Invest In the Mount projects. Funds raised are earmarked for:
* scholarships and academic programs,
* science labs and classrooms renovations; upgrades to student facilities,
* the construction of a new residence hall and parking structure on the Doheny Campus, and
* the College’s endowment.

As of December 31, 2007, the College had already raised $40 million in its Invest in the Mount campaign.

You can do your part by giving cash now, making a pledge (which can be paid over five years), arranging a gift of stock, or doing a matching gift with your employer. It all counts toward the College's overall participation and fund-raising goals.

Help the Mount by becoming a new donor -- or by increasing your annual donation during the Invest in the Mount campaign. You can also help by spreading the word to others in the Mount community.

For more information and to donate, call Paul Craft, vice president for institutional advancement, at 213.477.2766 or click here to “Donate Now” online.