Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education

Overview

Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting residents of Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in their pursuit of post-secondary education. Founded in 1994, the organization's mission is to make higher education accessible and affordable for all county residents.

Objectives and Programs

The foundation achieves its goals through various programs and services, including:

• Scholarships and Tuition Assistance: Providing financial support to students to help them achieve their educational aspirations.
• Low-Interest Student Loans: Managed through the George S. Cook Education Fund, these loans offer substantial financial support to students in need.

As of the latest data, the organization has awarded over $790,000 in scholarships and tuition assistance to nearly 4,000 students.

Financial Overview

The foundation's financial operations are primarily supported by contributions and program services. In recent years, contributions have accounted for the majority of its revenue, followed by income from program services and investment income. Donations to this organization are tax deductible as it is classified under a section of the 501(c) tax exemption.

Leadership and Structure

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, consisting of esteemed members from diverse sectors such as business, education, private industry, and government. Key leadership positions include:

• Chairperson: Kenneth Warnick
• Vice-Chairperson: Linda Fetterolf
• Secretary: Emily Baer
• Treasurer: Timothy Resh

The organization also engages part-time staff to support its operations. Suzanne Funa serves as its part-time Executive Director.

Committees

The foundation operates through several committees, which include:

• Membership and Nominations
• Fundraising
• Public Relations
• Auditing/Finance
• Legislative

These committees play a crucial role in ensuring the effective execution of the foundation's mission and objectives.

Tax Filing

The Somerset County Foundation for Higher Education files Form 990 annually with the IRS, providing detailed financial and organizational information. This documentation includes data on income, expenses, governance, and other operational aspects.

[1] https://scfhe.org/about/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/251729671 [3] https://scfhe.org [4] https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/somerset-county-foundation-for-higher-education,251729671/ [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/25-1729671