In 2023, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) received a transformative $5 million gift from the Bally’s Corporation—the largest private donation in the college’s history and one of the largest philanthropic gifts to a community college in the nation. This unprecedented investment has propelled workforce development initiatives focused on equity, economic mobility, and industry alignment. In this session, hear how CCRI built the case for support, fostered a bold corporate partnership, and structured the gift to generate long-term, mission-aligned impact. Presenters will share strategies for aligning workforce innovation with philanthropic goals, leveraging institutional storytelling, and securing major gifts in a community college context.

Whether you're building your first corporate partnership or looking to scale existing relationships, this session will offer replicable insights into how philanthropy can catalyze transformational change especially for underrepresented and underserved learners.