Ivy Tech Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Circle of Ivy awarded $263,649 to 84 projects at its seventh annual Circle of Ivy Gathering on Friday, November 4. The initiative raises funds to make access to higher education easier for Ivy Tech Community College students. Circle of Ivy has a statewide reach, with a focus specifically on campus needs and projects that positively impact students. 

Several projects from Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and Warsaw received funding:

• Helping Hands Emergency Funds (Fort Wayne)- $1,900
• Rent and Utility Fund (Fort Wayne)- $1,900
• The Disability Sensory Services Sensory Positive Study Room (Fort Wayne)- $953
• Coffee with a Professor (Fort Wayne)- $942
• Helping Hands Emergency Funds (Warsaw)- $3,000
• Emergency Transportation Funds (Warsaw)- $1,600
• Basics Bank Supply Pantry (Warsaw)- $1,100
• Thanksgiving Meal-in-a-Box (Warsaw)- $500

“At Ivy Tech, we believe in a mission that creates resources and breaks down barriers to higher education for our students,” said Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw. “Our local Circle of Ivy chapters have grown from 8 to 70 members since its inception in 2016. It’s encouraging to see this program thrive and witness our students walk better, more accessible paths toward success because of our generous donors.”

The projects funded this year give students easier access to educational opportunities by tackling the issue of food insecurity and providing things like transportation and rent and utility assistance.

“This organization has done so much over the years and continues to provide transformative experiences for Ivy Tech students. When women join together, we are a force for good. We are so proud of all the projects that have been funded by the Circle of Ivy,” said Courtney Roberts, President of the Ivy Tech Foundation.

Since its inception in 2015, Circle of Ivy has grown to more than 1,000 members. In seven years, the members have raised more than $1 million to assist with 384 projects.

To learn more about Circle of Ivy visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.