Students are at the heart of what we do at BCIT and our team in Advancement is proud to work with the BCIT community towards our shared goals. Today, I am sharing an update on the Strategic Plan deliverable I’m leading, which falls under our commitment to providing future-proof applied education and the initiative for augmented and sustainable environments.
I’m focused on the INSPIRE Campaign which is the largest fundraising campaign in BCIT’s history. Launched in December 2019, the campaign is focused on raising funds for three pillars: Access and Inclusion, Teaching and Learning Innovation, and Campus Redevelopment. INSPIRE continues to receive strong philanthropic support from industry, alumni, and individuals who recognize the importance of BCIT to the economic prosperity of British Columbia by investing in our facilities, students, faculty, and staff.
Together with our strong and committed volunteer Campaign Cabinet, talented Advancement team and inspirational colleagues across BCIT, we are working hard with donors and prospects and have been inspired by their support and enthusiasm for BCIT and our campaign.
Highlights include:
- Secured $83 million in fully pledged private sector support with a further $14 million in contributions being finalized for a total of $97 million raised as of January 15, 2022
- Major achievements:
- $11.7 million in donations directed to the new Health Sciences Centre;
- Substantial progress has been made towards the $33 million fundraising goal for the Trades & Technology Complex with $27.5 million raised or in final discussion;
- $4 million has been designated to the new gateway plaza (now under construction); and,
- $23 million, since the inception of INSPIRE, has been directed to access and inclusion for students.
- Industry leaders in the forestry, electrical, construction, development, engineering, and mining sectors have been actively engaged, creating opportunities for dialogue and consultation in addition to their generous philanthropic support.
- A comprehensive communication and stewardship strategy developed to cultivate, secure and recognize donor support, and build awareness for BCIT, INSPIRE and the impact of philanthropy.
- Solicited donations through our Holiday Direct Response Campaign, raising $57,000 to support students in financial need including our Student Emergency Response Fund (SERF).
Buoyed by this tangible interest and commitment of donors, we are confident and excited at the prospect of completing this (final) phase of the INSPIRE campaign.
We look forward to celebrating the opening of the new Health Sciences Centre with the BCIT community, provincial government, and the many donors who have made this a reality.
We invite the BCIT community to learn more about the INSPIRE Campaign and join us in our mission to build a strong and impactful community of philanthropy.
Please visit our Campaign website and also contact any member of our Advancement team if you wish to share the story of INSPIRE with industry partners, alumni, individuals, and corporations.
Thank you,
Jackie Jacob
Executive Director, BCIT Foundation
Commitment: Future-proof applied education
Initiative: Augmented and sustainable environments
Deliverable: Continuation of INSPIRE Campaign, with focus on student financial assistance
Deliverable lead: Jackie Jacob, Executive Director, BCIT Foundation