WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has received a grant from The Kresge Foundation that will support a new initiative to build fundraising programs and related services at minority serving institutions (MSIs).

With a grant of $159,000, CASE will plan for a Center for Minority Serving Institution Advancement, which will provide research, benchmarking tools and professional training for advancement professionals, as well as leadership programs for academics, administrators and volunteers focused on growing the fundraising capacity at these vital institutions.

CASE will conduct a thorough assessment and planning process to engage MSI leaders about the challenges they face in building fundraising capacity, conduct research on MSI fundraising, and explore opportunities to collaborate with other organizations working to enhance capacity and sustainability among MSIs.

"CASE is excited to be working with Kresge on this important initiative. We are immensely grateful for their partnership," says Sue Cunningham, President & CEO of CASE. "We are dedicated to supporting Minority Serving Institutions in building successful advancement programs to advance education and transform lives and society."

Across the United States, nearly 600 MSIs enroll close to 5 million students or about 30 percent of all undergraduates enrolled in post-secondary education, representing the only foothold many historically underrepresented students have to a sustainable and fulfilling career path. Unfortunately, this pipeline to a more prosperous future is being threatened by an erosion in state support and federal funding.

"While MSIs play a vital role in sustaining U.S. higher education's promise of equity, access, and opportunity, many face serious financial challenges at a period when postsecondary credentials are increasingly essential to both individual well-being and U.S. economic competitiveness," said Bill Moses, Managing Director of Kresge's Education Program. "We are thrilled that CASE is exploring how best to support MSI's and their long-term sustainability."

About The Kresge Foundation

The Kresge Foundation was founded in 1924 to promote human progress. Today, Kresge fulfills that mission by building and strengthening pathways to opportunity for low-income people in America's cities, seeking to dismantle structural and systemic barriers to equality and justice. Using a full array of grant, loan, and other investment tools, Kresge invests more than $160 million annually to foster economic and social change. For more information visit kresge.org.