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.
"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:
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Securing philanthropic support for private colleges and
universities;
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Developing collaborative programs of mutual interest to
donors and institutions in the private college sector;
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Celebrating the unique characteristics and contributions to
our nation of our private colleges and universities;
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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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