About the Foundation

Two Harper students sit on steps outside Avante

The Harper College Educational Foundation was established in 1973. Since its inception, the Foundation’s mission has been to support the educational service of William Rainey Harper College and, to this end, to receive, invest and steward contributions for the financial support and benefit of the College in accordance with the Foundation’s policy and donor specifications.

Through the years, the Foundation has matured into a not-for-profit organization that has instituted best practices for foundations affiliated with public community colleges. Its Board of Directors continues to monitor those practices and procedures in order to improve continually the operations of the Foundation. By forging strong relationships with community and corporate leaders, the Foundation has helped to create a nationally recognized community college and a strong foundation for the future.

Mission

Connecting college and community through philanthropy to support transformative education and career opportunities.

Values

The Harper College Educational Foundation's values define how we engage with donors, students, and the college we serve.

Trust: We uphold transparency, maximize stewardship, and provide support to elevate the Foundation as a trusted philanthropic partner.
Community: Community is both the source of support and the beneficiary. The Foundation acts as a bridge between Harper College and the wider community, amplifying the college's reach and relevance. Students are empowered by donors, alumni, and partners that believe in their potential.
Opportunity: Donors create far-reaching impact by aligning giving with their passions. Financial support, mentorship, and meaningful connections open doors for students. Faculty and workforce programs are resourced to innovate and grow.

Strategic Priorities

Increase funding to advance student and program success: Grow philanthropic resources to support holistic student success and innovative academic and workforce programs.
Expand exgagement and non-financial support for services: Enhance partnerships with donors, business partners, and community leaders to amplify impact through mentorship, volunteerism, and advocacy.
Grow alumni engagement and impact: Cultivate meaningful, lifelong relationship with alumni by expanding opportunities for mentorship, volunteerism, and storytelling--strengthening their role as ambassadors, partners, and donors.
Strengthen operational excellence and donor experience: Enhance operational capacity and donor experience through innovative technology, streamlined fundraising systems, data-informed engagement strategies, and an inclusive board.

Harper College Educational Foundation
1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, Illinois 60067
Phone: 847.925.6490
Email: foundation@harpercollege.edu

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of cyber-attacks on businesses, educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations.

The Harper College Educational Foundation takes the protection and appropriate use of donors' and alumni information serious. We will never ask for your social security number or bank routing number via electronic communication or on our website, nor will we ever sell your contact information to a third-party.