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Gulf Coast State College Foundation Retreat
Prep Questions
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Thank you for taking this short questionnaire. The information you provide will help our facilitator understand the Foundation and help guide the retreat discussion.
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Mission Statement - The Gulf Coast State College Foundation’s mission is to create a scholarship program providing educational opportunities to deserving students. Further, the mission of the Foundation is to enhance the educational programs and student services available at Gulf Coast State College. Through the active involvement and leadership of citizens united by these purposes, the Foundation serves as an effective liaison between the College and the community. The Foundation assists the College in enriching the community through cultural opportunities and in enhancing the economic development of the community with educational programs.
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1. How does our mission align with the college’s strategic priorities?
Ensures the foundation isn’t operating in a silo. There will be some work to revise the current mission statement. This question can help with making sure there is alignment with GCSC.
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Follow-up: How are we positioned to support institutional goals like access, academic excellence, or innovation?
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2. What strategic value do we add beyond fundraising?
This helps define the foundation’s unique role (e.g., investment strategy, donor cultivation, alumni engagement, advocacy).
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Follow-up: Are we maximizing our influence and relationships to advance the college?
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3. What do we want our philanthropic impact to be in 3–5 years?
Pinpoints priority areas: student aid, faculty support, infrastructure, DEI, etc.
Addition Information (fiscal year as of March 31, 2025):
- Total Assets - $37.3 Million
- Total Net Fund Balance - $36.3 Million
- Total Endowments - $14.8 Million (Program $4.7M/Scholarship $10.1M)
- Total Contributions - $568 Thousand
- Total Investment Income - $1.8 Million
- Total Scholarship Expense - $2.1 Million ($1.3M Restricted/$788 Endowment)
- Total Program Expenses - $119 Thousand
- Total Technology Expenses - $59K
- Gulf Coast Guarantee Fund Balance - $4.6 Million (goal is $15-20 Million)
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Follow-up: How will we measure and communicate our outcomes?
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4. Do we have the right structures, staff, and financial tools to achieve our goals?
A reality check on operations, policies, and governance. We will discuss goal setting together, but something to consider moving forward into that goal-setting.
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Follow-up: Are our investment and fundraising strategies aligned and effective?
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5. What external forces could impact higher education—and how should we respond?
Think enrollment trends, state funding, public perception, tech disruption.
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Follow-up: How do we stay proactive and future-ready?
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