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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.
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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.
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
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.
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
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.
MICUA serves as the Resident Agent of the I-Fund and manages the administrative, fiscal, technical, and programmatic operations of the Corporation.
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
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 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.
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.
Bunting Family Foundation, Inc.
Council of Independent Colleges/UPS
The Isadore and Bertha Gudelsky Family Foundation, Inc.
Laverna Hahn Charitable Trust
Eliasberg Family Foundation
Ensign C. Markland Kelly, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Inc.
Huether McClelland Foundation
Campbell Foundation
Bjarekull Endowment
Dr. Frank C. Marino Foundation, Inc.
Schaefer Foundation and Fidelity
RCM&D Foundation
Emmert Hobbs Foundation, Inc.
2022 Annual Report
The I-Fund encourages individuals to name the I-Fund as a beneficiary of a will, insurance policy, or trust.
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To learn about how businesses, foundations, and individuals may contribute to the I-Fund, please contact Pam Nussbaumer.
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The I-Fund encourages individuals to name the I-Fund as a beneficiary of a will, insurance policy, or trust.
I-Fund Beneficiary