Ways to give to the LBCC Foundation
Through the extraordinary generosity of our donors, the LBCC Foundation removes barriers so that LBCC students can pursue their dreams. In 2023 the Foundation awarded over $500,000 to students in need.
Cash or Check
LBCC Payroll Deduction
Stocks, Bonds & Securities
Credit Card
Insurance Policies
Personal Property & Gifts-in-Kind
Endowment Gifts
require a minimum one-time donation of $15,000, or $3,000 per year over a five-year period. Endowments are permanent funds which are invested and the earnings used for college or student assistance. For more information, contact the Foundation by email: foundation@linnbenton.edu or call (541) 917-4209.
Planned Gifts
can be intended for current use or endowments. Planned gifts include a variety of life income plans, stock plans, real estate gifts, trusts, wills, annuities and estate plans. For more information, email Jim Birken: birkenj@linnbenton.edu
A message from our executive director
Dear Community Partner,
At the Linn-Benton Community College Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education to build stronger communities and brighter futures. For over five decades, our Foundation has served as the bridge connecting generous community partners like you with passionate students working to achieve their educational dreams.
Every day, we witness the remarkable journey of our students—working parents advancing their careers, first-generation college students discovering their potential, and career-changers pursuing new possibilities. Through scholarships, emergency assistance, and campus-wide initiatives that foster connection and celebration, we provide vital support that helps turn these dreams into reality.
The impact of your partnership extends far beyond financial support. When you invest in Linn-Benton Community College students, you invest in the future of our mid-Willamette Valley. Each year, we serve over 8,000 credit-seeking students—from recent high school graduates to adult learners, our students become the skilled professionals, innovative leaders, and engaged citizens who strengthen our local workforce and communities.
Within this packet, you'll read about Bernadette, a single mother of two who is pursuing her lifelong dream in automotive technology. When she faced transportation challenges, Foundation support helped keep her on track. You'll also discover how Grocery Outlet Bargain Market of Albany transformed a simple grilled cheese sandwich into something extraordinary—their partnership with our Grilled Cheese Roadshow not only addressed student food insecurity but also helped generate
record numbers of scholarship applications. These stories demonstrate how community partnerships, both large and small, can create meaningful change in students' lives.
We invite you to join us in empowering the next generation of mid-valley professionals. Your partnership creates lasting change — supporting students today who will shape our community tomorrow.
I welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can collaborate to create opportunities that align with your organization's values and goals. Thank you for considering a partnership with the Linn-Benton Community College Foundation.
With warm regards,
STEVEN BRONCHEAU Executive Director
Dedicated to LBCC students and programs
Founded
in 1972,
the LBCC Foundation is dedicated to supporting the students and programs of Linn-Benton Community College so that, through the transformational power of education, our entire community flourishes.
OUR MISSION
At the LBCC Foundation, we support the dreams of LBCC students by providing comprehensive programs and services that are innovative and accessible.
OUR SHARED VALUES
At Linn-Benton Community College, our values serve as the foundation that inspires our actions and unites us as a community. As responsible stewards, we are committed to:
Opportunity: We support the fulfillment of potential in ourselves and each other.
Excellence: We aspire to the highest ideal with honesty and integrity.
Inclusiveness: We honor and embrace the uniqueness of every individual, and promote the free and civil expression of ideas, perspectives and cultures.
Learning: We commit to the lifelong pursuit of knowledge, skills, and abilities to improve our lives and our communities.
Engagement: We openly and actively connect as students, faculty, staff and community.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
President: Hedie Schulte, Albany
Vice President: Jo Ann McQueary, Sweet Home
Treasurer: Lauri Lehman, Philomath
Secretary: Betty Malone, Philomath
Past President: Penny York, Corvallis
Members
Marty Cahill, Lebanon
Jeannie Davis, Lebanon
Jeff Davis, Corvallis
Charlie Eads, Albany
Carolyn Gardner, Corvallis
Diane Merten, Corvallis
Rose Peda, Sweet Home
Dick Running, Albany
Dan Segel, Portland
Ex-Officio
Lisa Avery, LBCC President
Jess Jacobs, Accounting & Budget Director
Bev Dunigan, Classified Representative
Lee LeJanic, Classified Representative
Joshua Hewitt, Student Representative
Abby Workman, Student Representative
DONATIONS IN 2023
$984K $13.52 million $476K
FOUNDATION ASSETS IN 2023 SCHOLARSHIPS PROVIDED IN 2023
An 11.5% increase in foundation assets from 2022 to 2023
Student demographics
Linn-Benton Community College serves a diverse population of students each year. The LBCC student body reflects a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations, highlighting the importance of providing equitable resources and support for their success.
Financial Aid Combined (FA Pell Grant or Loan)
Pell
Grant
Recipients
Race/Ethnicity
Credit Seeking Students
8,390
Average per year
Second gear: Bernadette Crowe’s passion for auto technology fueled by the LBCC Foundation
Bernadette isn’t your typical Linn-Benton Community College student. At 33, a single mom with a nine-year-old son and thirteen-year-old daughter, she's returning to school after years away. Yet she isn't daunted by the challenge. In fact, she's exhilarated. The reason? She's finally pursuing a lifelong dream: a career in automotive technology. A journey made smoother thanks to the LBCC Foundation.
“I've always enjoyed working with cars,” Bernadette says, a hint of pride in her voice. “In my early twenties, I'd work on projects with a boyfriend who was a mechanic. He could diagnose a car's problem in a flash and fix it –it was fascinating!”
That fascination never faded. But life, as it often does, took Bernadette on a different path. Raising her children became her priority. Yet, her dream of working with cars remained.
When her children grew older, the time finally felt right. “A friend suggested nursing school,” Bernadette recalls with a laugh. “But I knew instantly – it's automotive for me! Everything just lined up beautifully.”
Linn-Benton's Automotive Technology program was a natural choice. Bernadette had always noticed LBCC’s Advanced Transportation Technology Center while driving by in Lebanon. Now, she was ready to step through the doors.
Starting fresh wasn't easy. “It had been a while since I'd been in school,” said Bernadette. “Applying was a whole new process, but there were people there to help.”
Those helping hands proved invaluable. As a single mom, Bernadette juggled schoolwork with childcare, a constant logistical dance. This challenge became even more daunting when her backup mode of transportation, a bicycle, was stolen.
Enter the LBCC Foundation, an unsung hero in Bernadette's story. Funded by generous donors, the Foundation bought Bernadette a new bike to ensure she always had transportation to class.
“They've been a lifesaver,” Bernadette said gratefully.
The support Bernadette received went beyond transportation. Through the college’s Roadrunner Resource Center, a lifeline for many students, she received help paying for the Boys and Girls Club after-school program for her children and assistance with utility bills, alleviating financial stress and allowing her to focus on her studies.
Bernadette’s journey hasn't been without its hurdles, but the support she received from the Foundation empowered her to overcome them. It’s a shining example of how philanthropy can change lives. Bernadette’s story—one of determination, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream— is a testament to the transformative power of education and the supportive community at LBCC, fueled by generous donors to its Foundation.
“It's been a truly positive experience,” said Bernadette. “There's a lot of support out there to help you reach your goals.”
I knew instantly – it's automotive for me! Everything just lined up beautifully.
Bernadette
Crowe
AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY STUDENT
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market of Albany serves up support for LBCC students
When Cindy and Ken Silva were offered the chance to share some comfort food with LBCC students, it was an easy yes.
The pair owns the Albany Grocery Outlet Bargain Market and donated 90 loaves of bread and 1,200 slices of cheese for the Linn-Benton Community College Foundation’s Grilled Cheese Roadshow. The LBCC Foundation crew visited all of the school’s campuses to raise awareness about food insecurity among LBCC students and to promote the LBCC Foundation’s fall scholarship cycle. And it worked! The Foundation served about 800 students and had a record number of scholarship applications.
“The LBCC Foundation connected with us about a potential partnership,” Cindy said. “We’ve all had kids who went to college. Food insecurity, especially on bigger campuses is an issue.”
Ken and Cindy watched their own children work full-time while going to school.
“We saw the struggle was real,” she said. “It was the same thing you see repeat itself from generation to generation when you’re out living on your own. We’ve been out there. We remember those things.”
Their store manager James, who helped make sandwiches at the Albany campus, said he enjoyed being able to be a good servant leader, working with an unfamiliar team of people and watching all the kids on campus get some good food for the day.
“It’s a really meaningful thing that we just felt we needed to be involved with,” Cindy said.
One of the things they appreciate about owning their own store is that it allows them flexibility to choose how they support the community.
“We are involved with C.H.A.N.C.E. and The Salvation Army food pantry,” Cindy said. “We do a lot of different community events. It lets the community know we are here to support them.” While they already contribute to the good work other organizations are doing, they were eager to join the Foundation’s efforts and plan to do more.
“We’ve already told them, when they’re ready to do the spring event we’re ready and happy to support them,” Cindy said.
In addition to showing community support, sponsoring the Linn-Benton Community Foundation’s event was a way to let people know about their store and how shopping there can help them save money.
“There is a benefit to putting your name out there as a business,” Cindy said. “It’s a way to get yourselves out there in the community. We’re not just a store, we care about our community. We have a very big passion for it.”
It’s a way to get yourselves out there in the community. We’re not just a store, we care about our community.
Cindy Silva CO-OWNER, GROCERY OUTLET OF ALBANY
You can get a scholarship. You can get loans. But you can’t always get a set of tires. This money removes some of those barriers for many LBCC students.
Jo Ann McQueary
LBCC FOUNDATION VICE PRESIDENT
Commenting on the foundation's emergency funding for students.
2025 Events and opportunities
The LBCC Foundation hosts a variety of impactful events throughout the year, from fundraisers like Give Hope Day to student-focused initiatives such as the Roadshow Series and community celebrations like Monte Carlo Night. Each event offers unique sponsorship opportunities to connect with our community, support meaningful causes, and make a lasting impact on students' lives.
Interested in getting involved in one of the events? Let’s collaborate! Reach out to explore custom sponsorship opportunities tailored to fit your company's goals. Together, we can make a difference.
LBCC FOUNDATION EVENTS
Sponsor one of these impactful events
Welcome Day (September 24)
Welcome Day is LBCC’s signature event to kick off the academic year, designed to help new and returning students transition smoothly into college life. This engaging event introduces students to campus resources, programs, and opportunities, providing a strong foundation for their educational journey. Students can explore campus, meet advisors, instructors, and peers, and discover ways to get involved in the college community. Highlights include campus tours, program showcases in the courtyard, and fun activities like a scavenger hunt for prizes.
Monte Carlo Night (September 27)
Monte Carlo Night is an evening of glamor and excitement bringing together community members, donors, alumni, and supporters to raise funds for LBCC students. This fundraising event features all your favorite casino games, exciting raffle prizes, delicious food and drinks, and opportunities to connect with others who share a passion for education and community. Proceeds from Monte Carlo Night directly support LBCC Foundation initiatives, including scholarships and emergency funds, helping students overcome financial barriers to their education. It’s a night of fun and philanthropy, all for a great cause — ensuring that every student has the chance to succeed.
Grilled Cheese Roadshow (October)
The Grilled Cheese Roadshow brings free, warm meals to students across the LBCC campuses in October while promoting opportunities to support their educational journey. The roadshow's purpose is to encourage students to take advantage of our fall scholarship cycle by applying for funds that can ease financial burdens and help them stay focused on their educational journey. At the same time, the Roadshow addresses a critical issue on our campus — food insecurity. With 70% of students reporting skipped meals due to financial hardship, this event ensures every student has access to a hot meal and a reminder that they are supported. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to make a difference in the lives of our students.
Student Hope Tree (Mid November - Early December)
The Student Hope Tree is a heartfelt initiative that brings the LBCC community together to support students facing financial challenges during the holiday season. Each "hope tag" on the tree represents a low-income students requested need, from food and clothing to school supplies, gift cards, and more. Participants can select a tag and fulfill a student's wish, providing tangible support and hope during a critical time of year. This program shines a light on the power of community and generosity, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued as they pursue their educational goals.
Cookies & Cocoa Roadshow (February 18-20)
The Cookies & Cocoa Roadshow is a warm and welcoming event series designed to engage students while promoting the LBCC Foundation’s spring scholarship cycle. Taking place in mid-February, this event invites students to enjoy a selection of hot beverages like cocoa, cider, and tea, along with holiday cookies. In addition to addressing food insecurity by providing a free treat for students, the Roadshow raises awareness about the resources available through the Foundation, including scholarships and emergency funds. It’s a delicious way to connect with students, encourage them to apply for support, and show them that their success matters.
Heritage Oak Society Luncheon (February 26)
The Heritage Oak Society Luncheon is a special biennial event honoring donors who have made a lasting commitment to LBCC by including the college in their estate plans. This exclusive gathering celebrates the profound generosity and vision of those who have chosen to leave a legacy of support for future generations of students. Guests of the luncheon enjoy the opportunity to connect with LBCC leadership, hear inspiring stories of the impact their planned gifts will have, and be recognized as valued members of the Heritage Oak Society. It’s an intimate and meaningful event that celebrates the enduring power of education and the donors who make it possible.
LBCC FOUNDATION EVENTS
Sponsor one of these impactful events
Scholarship Appreciation Reception (April 3)
The Scholarship Appreciation Reception is a meaningful event celebrating the transformative impact of scholarships on student success and honoring the generosity of our donors. This special evening brings together scholarship recipients, donors, and community members to recognize the power of education in shaping futures. A highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Distinguished Alumni Award, which honors an exceptional LBCC graduate whose achievements and contributions have made a significant impact in their field or community. It’s an inspiring evening of success,gratitude, and community leadership, showcasing the profound difference scholarships make in the lives of students.
Pancake Roadshow (May)
The Pancake Roadshow is a campus-wide event series designed to promote the LBCC Foundation’s annual Give Hope Day on May 14th and engage students with the resources available to support their success, including scholarships and emergency funds. As part of the Roadshow, students are invited to enjoy a free, warm pancake breakfast, creating an opportunity to address food insecurity and ensure that every student has access to a nourishing meal. This event fosters connection and raises awareness about how the Foundation supports students in overcoming barriers to their education. It’s a meaningful way to connect, inform, and support our campus community.
Legacy Concert & Pre-Concert Reception (year-round)
These special events designed to celebrate and support LBCC’s vibrant music program and its talented students. The Legacy Concert provides key donors with an exclusive evening that begins with a private reception and continues with a behind-the-scenes experience of the choir’s dress rehearsal. This intimate event highlights the dedication and artistry of LBCC’s student performers. The Pre-Concert Reception is a VIP ticketed gathering held just before the choir’s public performance. Community members and stakeholders are invited to enjoy refreshments, connect with others, and show their support for the music program while preparing to experience an exceptional concert. Both events create opportunities to celebrate and invest in the future of LBCC’s music program, ensuring its continued success and impact on students and the community.
President’s Circle (year-round)
The President’s Circle is an exclusive group of donors who have demonstrated exceptional generosity with a giving history exceeding $1,000. These dedicated supporters play a vital role in advancing the LBCC Foundation’s mission to transform lives through education by funding scholarships, emergency assistance, and programs that enrich the student experience. Select members of the group gather three times a year—once each during the fall, winter, and spring terms— for exclusive events that provide opportunities to engage with LBCC leadership, hear updates on the impact of their giving, and connect with like-minded supporters. The President’s Circle represents a profound commitment to supporting students and investing in the future of our community.
Give Hope Day 2025: Empowering students through emergency support
Give Hope Day is the Linn-Benton Community College Foundation’s annual 24-hour fundraiser dedicated to supporting emergency funds that provide critical financial assistance to students in need. Last year, through the generosity of our community, we raised $38,567. This year, we aim to raise $50,000 to help even more students overcome financial barriers and stay on track with their education.
Our emergency funds help remove financial barriers that could prevent students from continuing their education. Whether a student is unable to afford essential car repairs, cover unexpected medical expenses, or purchase textbooks and supplies, the fund is there to provide immediate support, ensuring students can stay on track toward achieving their academic and career goals.
Leading up to the big day, the Foundation will host its annual Pancake Roadshow, a fun and impactful event across our four campuses — Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon’s Health Occupation Center, and Lebanon’s Advanced Transportation Technology & Heavy Equipment Centers. The Roadshow not only serves delicious pancakes to raise awareness about student food insecurity but also promotes the importance of Give Hope Day and encourages community participation.
Throughout Give Hope Day, live updates will be shared via our fundraising website, social media platforms, and email newsletters, celebrating the generosity of our community and tracking our progress toward our goal. Donors and sponsors will be recognized on the Give Hope Day leaderboard, which highlights the impact of each contribution. In the evening, high-level donors, sponsors, and key stakeholders will gather for a private happy hour reception to celebrate the day’s achievements and thank our top supporters.
Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Linn-Benton students, giving them the resources and hope they need to overcome life's challenges and succeed in their educational journey. Visit linnbenton.edu/giveday
2025 Give Day sponsorship levels
GIVE HOPE DAY
Marketing materials: Logo inclusion in all Give Hope Day marketing materials including, but not limited to; fundraiser website, social media, print, email newsletters, and event signage.
VIP evening reception: Logo and verbal recognition at our Give Hope Day evening reception (time and venue TBD), with key stakeholders, donors, and other community supporters.
Display banner: Branded banner featuring sponsor logo displayed in the Albany campus courtyard throughout Give Hope Day.
Social media recognition: Highlighted at least ___ times as a sponsor of Give Hope Day on the LBCC Foundation’s social media.
Billboard advertisement: Logo placement on billboard advertising on Highway 34 leading up to Give Hope Day.
"Power Hour" sponsor: Recognition during one of the Give Hope Day “Power Hours” where your company matches all donations, up to ____ of your sponsorship.
Radio advertisement: Verbal mention in a limited number of ads on KGAL radio promoting Give Hope Day. Mention to be shared between Hope & Hero Level sponsors.
Post-donation thank you message: Opportunity to provide a brief ‘thank you’ video message to be shared with each donor after they donate on Give Hope Day.
Custom signage: Inclusion on vinyl floor decals to be placed around the Albany campus promoting Give Hope Day.
PANCAKE ROADSHOW
Marketing materials: Recognition as a sponsor of our ‘Pancake Roadshow’, Logo inclusion in all ‘Pancake Roadshow’ marketing materials including, but not limited to; Foundation website, social media, print, email newsletters, and event signage.
Scholarship drawing: Brand recognition in a ‘Enter-to-win a $1,000 scholarship’ drawing during the _____ Pancake Roadshow, courtesy of sponsor!
We deeply appreciate our incredible partners — your support makes our work possible! Below are the various sponsorship levels for our annual Give Hope Day. Each level can be tailored to align with your unique goals.
Albany Corvallis Lebanon
FOUNDATION MARKETING
Website Recognition
Inclusion on LBCC Foundation’s website, with logo and link.
Annual Report Recognition
Logo recognition in Foundation's 202425 annual report (printing in Oct. 2025).
Scholarship Awards Recognition
Logo and verbal recognition at awards reception (April 3), with key stakeholders, donors, students and other community supporters.
Annual report advertisement
Advertisement included in Foundation’s 2024-25 annual report (printed in Oct. 2025).
Additional events
Sponsorship of ___ additional events hosted by the Foundation throughout the year (2025-'26). Specific event and marketing benefit to be determined and mutually agreed upon.
Student notebooks
Full page advertisements included on the back of (600) Foundation branded notebooks, shared with students throughout the year and at LBCC’s Welcome Day (printed in Fall 2025).
Didn’t see the perfect fit above? Let’s create one! We’re happy to customize a sponsorship proposal to meet your goals.
Additional opportunities include establishing a student scholarship, hosting a 10’x10’ booth at one of our student-facing campus events, securing naming rights for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Award for LBCC staff and faculty, and much more.
Reach out today to explore the possibilities!
Join us and make a difference in 2025
$38,567 Raised in 2024 86% Increase in Give Day donations from 2023 to 2024
154 Donors in 2024
$50,000 Goal in 2025
The Roadrunner Student Emergency Fund supports students facing unexpected challenges in their education journey.
The Foundation can assist with essential needs like food, gas, and utility bills, as well as specific items, including eyeglasses, car maintenance, and textbooks. We partner with other departments and community resources to provide comprehensive support services for our students. This collaborative approach allows us to serve more students effectively and address needs that other resources may not cover.
69 Total Number of Emergencies in 2024 $420 Average Student Emergency $29,776 Total Amount Awarded
Calapooia Center, Room CC-107
6500 Pacific Blvd SW Albany, OR 97321-3755
Visit us online at: WWW.LINNBENTON.EDU/GIVE or reach us by email: foundation@linnbenton.edu phone: 541-917-4209