Private Higher Education Application Day is December 11, 2024!

Apply to Maryland’s private colleges & Universities with no application fees! 

Apply to Maryland’s private colleges & universities with no application fees! 

Learn more

I-fund

The Independent College Fund of Maryland (I-Fund) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mission of Maryland’s independent colleges and universities by securing financial aid and internship experiences for students attending member institutions.

donate today

donate via pledge card

Mission

The mission of the I-Fund is to provide college access, choice, and opportunities by raising funds—principally from businesses and foundations—to provide scholarships and grants to students attending I-Fund member institutions.

Vision

The I-Fund is dedicated to developing productive alliances with private sector partners who value a liberal arts education and share our commitment to the next generation of scholars.

I-FUND

HISTORY

The Independent College Fund (the I-Fund) was founded in 1953 as “the Association of Independent Colleges in Maryland” to promote “the cause of higher education and culture within the State of Maryland.” It is one of 36 state and regional organizations affiliated with the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). This relationship makes it possible to replicate scholarship programs for investors in any state or region.

original founding presidents

Lowell S. Ensor, Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College)

Daniel Z. Gibson, Washington College

Andrew G. Truxal, Hood College

Richard D. Weigle, St. John’s College

In 1982, the organization changed its name to the Independent College Fund of Maryland, Inc.

Today, the I-Fund manages an extensive and impactful network of partnerships among its member colleges and numerous corporations, businesses, and foundations to broaden the financial foundation of higher education and culture in the State of Maryland.  

Board Members

Nora Demleitner

Chair

Bradford Sims

Secretary

Michael Sosulski

Treasurer

Resident Agent

MICUA serves as the Resident Agent of the I-Fund and manages the administrative, fiscal, technical, and programmatic operations of the Corporation.

National Affiliation

The I-Fund is one of 36 State and regional organizations affiliated with the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). This relationship affords the opportunity to replicate scholarship programs for investors in any state or region they select.

operations

helping our students

Scholarships

Unrestricted Gifts

Unrestricted gifts help ensure the benefits of an independent higher education are available to many qualified young men and women for whom the cost of college would otherwise be out of reach. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to students of all majors; the sole criterion for selection is financial need. Grants fund basic and emergency financial needs.

Named Scholarships

Named Scholarships are an excellent way for business and foundation partners to demonstrate their commitment to higher education and to achieve particular branding or philanthropic goals across the State of Maryland. A minimum investment of $15,000 is required to create a Named Scholarship, providing a scholarship to one student at each I-Fund member college. Named Scholarships are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.

Designated Scholarships

While the I-Fund is committed to providing support for all member colleges, it recognizes that some businesses or foundations may wish to honor institutional allegiances or support particular colleges. Designated Scholarships provide this vehicle.

fiscal 2022

donor report

Pacesetters

$20,000+

Bunting Family Foundation, Inc.
Council of Independent Colleges/UPS

Sponsors

$10,000 - $19,999

The Isadore and Bertha Gudelsky Family Foundation, Inc.
Laverna Hahn Charitable Trust

Partners

$2,000 - $9,999

Eliasberg Family Foundation
Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Huether McClelland Foundation

Associates

up to $1,999

Campbell Foundation
Bjarekull Endowment
Dr. Frank C. Marino Foundation, Inc.
Schaefer Foundation and Fidelity
RCM&D Foundation
Emmert Hobbs Foundation, Inc.

2022 Annual Report

Giving

Donation

The I-Fund encourages individuals to name the I-Fund as a beneficiary of a will, insurance policy, or trust.

Donate Online

Donate via PLedge Card

via email

To learn about how businesses, foundations, and individuals may contribute to the I-Fund, please contact Pam Nussbaumer.

Contact Pam

beneficiary

The I-Fund encourages individuals to name the I-Fund as a beneficiary of a will, insurance policy, or trust.

I-Fund Beneficiary