UCLA

ABSTRACT OF THE DISSERTATION

Community College Foundations: Increasing Philanthropic Success

by

Bridget Frances RazoDoctor of Education University of California, Los Angeles, 2022 Professor Robert Cooper, Chair

Community colleges educate nearly 50% of students who complete a degree at a four-year university. Yet, California community college funding remains lower than per student funding for the UC, CSU, and K-12 systems. Community college non-profit 501(c)3 foundations provide the opportunity to generate millions in support of their colleges, and yet they remain the least understood and largely underfunded entity across California community colleges. This research examines the California community college fundraising efforts, identifying challenges and opportunities for success. Using case study methodology, surveys were sent to 114 California community college executive directors to identify the current status of community college foundations in order to narrow down the choices for the case study interviews. From the survey responses and further website research, three colleges were selected for the case studies. Selection was based on regional location, foundation model in relation to the college, and revenue generated over five years based on survey responses. Three colleges participated in interviews with their foundation executive directors, superintendent/presidents, and foundation board of directors presidents. The responses provided confirmation of existing research, extended information on others, and some significant contradictions regarding presumed funding models and operations. It is hoped that this research will reframe the approach to California community college philanthropy efforts, reexamine the role and expectation of management structures and community interactions, and, in the aggregate, will provide support to greatly increase the level of philanthropy for the underfunded community colleges.