What to Support

Thank you for believing in me. For putting your faith in me.

Edy Molina, scholarship recipient

Give the Gift of Education

Help make college a reality for students by supporting the ECC Foundation today! Your contribution funds scholarships, recognize innovation and academic achievement and sustain and expand academic programs that enhance our community.

Give now

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, hundreds of students have been positively impacted through the gift of education.

The ECC Foundation offers various ways for you to support students and programs, including:

Resources for Excellence Annual Fund

Your donation to the annual fund helps in crucial areas, such as aiding students in emergencies and funding innovative projects. Emergency assistance provides special equipment for disabled students, replaces lost textbooks due to unforeseen events, and covers fees for exams for GED® and nursing graduates who couldn't afford them otherwise. Mini-grants support initiatives like a free dental clinic led by local dentists, student-staffed to serve those without insurance, leadership development, diversity discussions, and study abroad opportunities for culinary students.

Give Now

Bright Futures Campaign

Bright Futures is a two-year targeted $3 million campaign that will enable ECC to expand three innovative, proven initiatives to help ensure our students' success while strengthening our region's workforce.

Give Now

Scholarships

You can support students by donating to an existing scholarship or creating a named scholarship with as little as $3,000. Over 175 named scholarships, like the ECC Foundation General Scholarship Fund, provide annual support to students. Around half of these funds are endowed, ensuring permanent funding in the donor's name. With government education grant reductions, scholarship support is crucial for our 8,000+ students to continue their education. 

Invest in Our Students: Support the ECC Alumni Association Scholarship

Available to children or siblings of an ECC alumnus who are enrolled at the college and require financial assistance to attend. Learn more about Scholarship Opportunities at ECC

Purses with Purpose: Empowering Women through Education

Purses with Purpose is a group where women in our community join forces to help other women pursue education and self-improvement. Members and scholarship recipients come together several times yearly for educational and social events. Learn more about Purses with Purpose

Ways to Give

ECC offers affordable education with high academic standards, preparing students for the workforce and further education. The ECC Foundation supports students in reaching their educational and career goals through scholarships and programs. Your donation opens doors for ECC students, benefiting their lives, the future, and the community.

Higher education elevates not only the individuals that are learning, but the entire community. Expanding the base of people who pursue higher education will create the future leaders of the Elgin area and beyond.

Andy Robinson, member of the Spartan Legacy Society

Your support will ensure the following:

• Our community members have access to educational opportunities, regardless of their circumstances.
• Excellence and innovation are rewarded.
• The quality and capacity of ECC’s programs are maintained and grow as needed to serve our community.

Your gifts can be designated to:

• Resources for Excellence Annual Fund – enhancing students’ learning experiences with classroom resources and leadership opportunities, awarding grants to inspire creative collaboration, and providing funding for other student needs.
• Student Scholarships - giving students access to a life-changing education and rewarding academic achievement.
• Academic Programs and Student Services - supporting a specific program or student activities area.

Gifts by Cash and Check

The Foundation accepts checks, cash, and money orders. Please make checks or money orders payable to:

• ECC Foundation, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123  
• Please do not mail cash.  

Online Donations

Make a secure gift with your credit card. Payment options include one-time gifts or installment/recurring payments.

Give Now

Stock Transfer

To make a gift of stock, please contact the ECC Foundation for transmittal instructions so we can properly process your gift.

Pledges

Gifts can be pledged and fulfilled over as many as five (5) years or another mutually agreed-upon timeframe. Please contact the ECC Foundation to establish your pledge agreement.

Will, Trust, Estate Plan, or Insurance Policy

The ECC Foundation has the tools to help you explore how a planned gift might be advantageous for you to make a lasting impact on ECC students and programs. When you include the ECC Foundation in our estate plans, please notify us, and you can become a member of the Spartan Legacy Society. Contact the ECC Foundation for assistance, or go to our website.

Memorials and Tributes

Designate your gift to the ECC Foundation in memory of a loved one or to honor a person during a special event such as a birthday, anniversary, or retirement.

Rho Kappa Transfer Scholarship

The Rho Kappa Transfer Scholarship was established through the ECC Foundation with a $10,000 goal. This effort will help future members of the Rho Kappa Chapter of PTK reach their transfer goals. And be part of the Rho Kappa Transfer Scholarship story!

Matching Gifts

Your company might match your gift in support of education, which can double or even triple the value of your charitable contribution to the ECC Foundation. Contact your Human Resources department to obtain the necessary forms if your employer matches gifts.

In-Kind Gifts

ECC Foundation staff would happily help you explore how an in-kind gift might be mutually beneficial. Non-cash contributions are welcome when the college determines a need exists and obtains approval for the gift before acceptance.

For information on any of the above-giving opportunities or your charitable estate gifts to ECC, don't hesitate to contact ECC Foundation at 847-214-7377 or email us at foundation@elgin.edu.

Your professional advisors are the best sources of counsel for your financial and estate plans. Information provided on the ECC Foundation website is intended for educational purposes only.