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Mission

The Foundation for Independent Higher Education is the national partner in a network of member state fundraising associations. The Foundation secures financial resources in support of America’s independent colleges and universities and their students; develops collaborative programs within its network and with other organizations; and, together with its members, is a primary voice of independent higher education to corporate and philanthropic communities.

Class Outdoors

"No one does more than FIHE in inspiring and funding collaborations.  We were awarded a grant from FIHE's UPS National Venture Fund to help five colleges unite their five administrative computer systems into one. This collaboration has radically changed the way we manage our institutions."

Dr. Edwin Welch, President
University of Charleston (West Virginia)

"Our young people, our communities, and our workforce all benefit from the increased educational opportunities that FIHE provides. The UPS Foundation is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with FIHE to support the deserving students whose education these scholarships fund."

Ken Sternad, President
The UPS Foundation

For over 50 years, FIHE’s efforts have been focused on:

  • Securing philanthropic support for private colleges and universities;
  • Developing collaborative programs of mutual interest to donors and institutions in the private college sector;
  • Celebrating the unique characteristics and contributions to our nation of our private colleges and universities;
  • Strategically linking the corporate and philanthropic objectives of business and industry with the strengths and opportunities provided by a national network of 32 state funds and their 590 member colleges and universities.

More than $1.6 billion has been secured through collaborative efforts for such purposes as scholarship programs, the in-service education of public school teachers, the enhancement of science and mathematics education, student voluntary service and minority educational achievement.

First Opportunity Partners (FOP) is FIHE’s signature initiative.  Launched in 2005, FOP strengthens the ability of private higher education to serve first generation, low-income, minority, and new American students (“first opportunity students”). Its three-fold purpose is to broaden the accessibility to higher education, to strengthen student retention and academic experiences, and to prepare students for the future world of work.

Looking to an even stronger future, FIHE is beginning a new partnership with the Council of Independent Colleges, another strong national organization focused on strengthening the private college sector.  With their distinct programs being brought together under one roof, FIHE and CIC will together achieve even greater national reach and program synergies to benefit independent higher education. And the merged organization will do so with significant cost-efficiencies, through savings achieved by eliminating duplicated support areas and budget expenses – one administration now supporting two important national programs.

Donors Achieve Their Goals

FIHE and its large, dispersed network have education leaders in a national office and in 32 state offices – working on behalf of 590 private colleges.

Working with the FIHE network can help donors to efficiently extend their reach well beyond what their own limited staffs might be able to achieve. The network can support national and multi-national corporate and philanthropic organizations through delivering scholarships, conducting competitive grant projects, organizing collaborative ventures, and managing endowments.

 
     
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Foundation for Independent Higher Education - 1920 N Street NW, Suite 210 - Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 367-0333 - Fax: (202) 367-0334 - E-mail: info@fihe.org