Corporate Giving
Foundation Office
Andrew Wingard
Executive Director of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation
awingard@glenoaks.edu
269-294-4384
Invest in Students. Strengthen Our Region.
Strong partnerships between Glen Oaks Community College and the business community create real opportunity for students, employers, and the region we serve.
When corporations partner with the GOCC Foundation, they help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Corporate contributions support innovative learning environments, expand scholarship access, strengthen academic and technical programs, and create hands-on experiences that prepare graduates for today’s evolving workforce.
Corporate giving is more than philanthropy. It is a strategic investment in the future of our community and the students who will lead it.
Why Corporate Partnerships Matter
Glen Oaks serves students across St. Joseph, Cass, Branch, Kalamazoo, and Calhoun counties in Michigan, and LaGrange, Elkhart, St. Joseph, and Steuben counties in Indiana. Many of these students stay in the region after graduation.
When businesses invest in Glen Oaks:
- Students gain access to modern tools and industry-relevant training
- Employers build a stronger, skilled local workforce
- Communities grow through economic development
- Companies strengthen their brand as regional leaders
This work directly supports our commitment to student success, workforce development, and community engagement .
Ways Your Company Can Make an Impact
There are meaningful and flexible ways for corporate partners to engage with Glen Oaks and support student success.
Brand Visibility and Naming Opportunities
Naming opportunities allow your organization to align its brand with education, innovation, and community advancement.
Options may include:
- Classrooms
- Laboratories
- Skills training centers
- Endowed scholarship funds
- Academic programs
A named gift provides lasting recognition while advancing your corporate social responsibility goals. It demonstrates a visible commitment to student success and workforce readiness in southern Michigan and northern Indiana.
Capital Support
Businesses seeking a lasting and visible impact can support the development of modern learning spaces and instructional facilities.
Corporate partners may contribute:
- Equipment and tools
- Industry software
- Technology upgrades
- Instructional supplies
- Facility enhancements
These gifts strengthen academic and technical programs and may provide tax advantages for your organization.
Your investment ensures that students train with the same equipment and systems used in today’s workforce.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Corporate sponsorships allow companies to enrich the student experience while building brand visibility.
Sponsorship opportunities may include:
- Student organizations
- Campus events
- Leadership programs
- Academic competitions
- Internship and mentorship initiatives
Sponsorship connects your company with future professionals and reinforces your leadership within the regional business community.
Establish a Talent Pipeline
Partnering with Glen Oaks gives your company direct access to students developing in-demand skills.
Through collaboration, your organization can:
- Host interns and apprentices
- Participate in career events
- Serve on advisory boards
- Support program development
- Engage with students on campus
These partnerships help employers identify emerging talent early and build meaningful relationships with future employees.
This approach supports the College’s workforce development goals and strengthens employer-aligned training programs .
Community Engagement
Corporate engagement extends beyond financial contributions.
Companies can support students by:
- Serving as guest speakers
- Providing mentorship
- Offering professional expertise
- Volunteering at campus events
- Participating in workforce panels
These partnerships enrich learning, build relationships, and create a stronger, more connected community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does corporate giving support students directly?
A: Corporate gifts fund scholarships, upgrade learning equipment, enhance facilities,
and expand workforce-aligned programs.
Q: Can our company designate how funds are used?
A: Yes. Many corporate partners choose to support specific programs, facilities, or
scholarship funds aligned with their industry.
Q: Are there tax benefits to corporate giving?
A: Gifts made through the GOCC Foundation may provide tax advantages. We recommend
consulting your financial advisor.
Q: Can we start small and expand our partnership over time?
A: Yes. Many partnerships begin with sponsorship or equipment donations and grow into
long-term collaborations.
Build the Future Workforce With Us
Corporate giving at Glen Oaks Community College creates opportunity, strengthens industry, and fuels regional growth.
If your company is ready to invest in students and the future of our community, we are ready to partner with you.