Who engages the community about philanthropic opportunities at Western Nevada College?
Why do WNC students have more than a half million dollars in scholarships available to them last year and in 2021?
Why is WNC able to improve facilities for student learning and create new programs to help fill workforce needs in Northern Nevada?
If you answered WNC Foundation on all three accounts, youre right.
WNC Foundations 25-member board is responsible for developing resources in support of WNC by creating community partnerships, encouraging philanthropy and strengthening the relationships between the college and communities it serves.
Each December, WNC Foundation is responsible for presenting its fundraising efforts to the Nevada System of Higher Education. This transparency reveals how much good is being done to grow the college and support student success well into the future.
WNC Foundation contributed more money for the benefit of Western Nevada College in FY20 than ever before with total contributions topping $2.1 million. This funding supported a biology laboratory remodeling project, a mobile manufacturing unit, student scholarships as well as many other college and student needs.
WNC Foundation was pleased to award our highest dollar amount of scholarships in the history of the foundation with a 29 percent year-over-year increase for the 2018-19 academic year. We are sincerely grateful to all of the many donors that contributed to this accomplishment for the benefit of our students, said WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys, who indicated that 348 scholarships were presented to 248 students totaling $547,048.
A total of $1,469,963 in cash gifts were raised from individuals, corporations and foundations for the year ending June 30, 2020 (FY20). An additional $55,531 of in-kind gifts were raised including an ambulance donated by Metro West Ambulance to help support WNCs new Paramedicine program. The WNC Foundations events raised more than $100,000 in unrestricted revenue.
The Foundation assisted WNC by securing financial support for the following capital projects throughout FY20:
WNC Foundation raised nearly $800,000 to build a mobile manufacturing training unit that will impact workforce development by training rural students on manufacturing practices. Funding was secured from William N. Pennington Foundation, Tesla, Wells Fargo and WINN through the Governors Office of Economic Development.
Funding for renovations to the Biology Laboratory that was relocated to the Aspen Building began in FY19 and concluded in FY20. This $1.35 million project was generously funded through the William N. Pennington Foundation and was completed under budget and on time. Remaining funds were approved for use in renovating the hallway space outside the laboratory.
Following a survey to better understand student food and housing insecurity, WNC Foundation secured funding for a food pantry that began supplying nonperishable toiletries and groceries to students in need. This initiative was funded through a grant from NV Energy Foundation, a donation from Visiting Angels and a generous gift from University Police Services.
Total assets for WNC Foundation grew to $4,545,500 by the end of FY20. To review the full report, go to WNC.edu/foundation.
For more information about the Foundation and ways to contribute to WNC initiatives and students, phone 775-445-3240 or email foundation@wnc.edu.