It always feels good to support college students and the Minnesota Private Colleges, but in a year like this, it feels more important than ever. We hear the stories of how you and our other donors have so much impact. And we’re eager to share that with you. 

Students are at the core of what the Fund does. And now more than ever, college students need our support. We encourage you to read a few of our scholarship recipient profiles to see the impact scholarships have on students, including for Keeshawn Aleksuk, Manuela Ponce and John Nguyen.  

In the 2020 fiscal year, 280 students at Minnesota private colleges were thriving and working towards their baccalaureate degrees thanks to the generosity of Fund donors. 

We can also report that we had 121 donors in fiscal year 2020 — an amazing group of supporters. That group includes several gifts over $15,000 our donors of distinction. We’re struck by how many donors have supported the Fund for more than 50 years; that group grew to 23, with one new donor reaching this impressive milestone. Together our donors gave $1,492,818 to the Fund. The bulk of that was given out in scholarships and programs for scholars, with the remainder going to operating support for our institutions.

The Fund is fortunate to award a number of different types of scholarships. As a donor, you might be most familiar with one of these types of scholarships — you can learn more about what the Fund does and its 14 different scholarships at the links above. 

These institutions are providing the kind of personalized education that students need, with the highest graduation rate in the state — and in fact, second highest in the nation. And they reflect our state, in terms of the ethnic and racial make-up as well as the income levels of the students.

We are so thankful for your continued support of our students through your donation to the Minnesota Private College Fund. Your commitment is important to maintaining access to a high-quality private college education for all students.

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