About the ECC Foundation

I never lose sight of the fact that investment in future leaders makes our community stronger. We can change the course of a person’s life – and the lives of his or her family - through the gift of education. And one student at a time, we can change our world.

Caren Nickelsen, Emeritus Board Member

The work of the ECC Foundation is driven by an independent Board of Directors – community and business leaders who believe that education unlocks potential. The Board’s direction and actions are framed by the following guiding principles:

Mission

To maximize access to an exceptional education that will improve lives and strengthen our community.

Vision

We seek to enable dreams for all by generating resources that will provide effective learning experiences. We will maximize our impact through the strength and leadership of our Board and close collaboration with the college and community.

Values

The core principles and beliefs that guide our work are Excellence, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, and Accountability.

Donor Bill of Rights

Recognizing that philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good and to ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, the ECC Foundation Board of Directors adopted the Donor Bill of Rights.

Federal 990s

The most recent informational returns filed by the ECC Foundation with the Internal Revenue Service:  

Information Sharing Policy

The ECC Foundation is committed to operating in an open and accountable manner to foster and maintain donor trust. As an organization committed to serving the fundraising needs of a public community college, the Foundation believes that information held by it should be open to public inspection, while still respecting the privacy rights of donors, prospective donors and employees. The Board’s Information Sharing Policy outlines the Foundation’s guidelines regarding the extent and nature of materials which will be made available to the public. The policy includes procedures for requesting information without compromising the Foundation’s status as a separate, private charitable organization and its ability to secure and manage donations in support of ECC.

Board of Directors and Emeritus Directors

The Foundation Board includes up to 24 independent, elected Directors; five serve as officers. Additionally, five ex-officio members laisse between the college and the Foundation. Emeritus status may be granted to former Directors for their distinguished service.

ECC Foundation Staff

The ECC Foundation’s professional staff is available to assist you as follows:

  • David Davin, Executive Director, Institutional Advancement & ECC Foundation
  • Monica Bucek, Director of Major and Planned Gifts
  • Sheri Lacy, Manager of Annual Giving and Scholarship
  • Christie Varga, Foundation Assistant and Operations Coordinator
  • Jennifer Strohl, Manager of Alumni, Affinity Groups and Stewardship