Ways to Give

The Power of Education

Elgin Community College (ECC) offers affordable, high-quality education that prepares students for both the workforce and further study.
The ECC Foundation helps students achieve their dreams through scholarships and programs funded by generous donors like you.

Your gift opens doors — improving students’ lives, strengthening families, and uplifting our entire community.

Why Your Support Matters

Your contribution ensures that:

• Education is accessible for all, regardless of circumstance.
• Excellence and innovation are recognized and rewarded.
• ECC’s programs grow and adapt to meet community and workforce needs.

Designate Your Gift to Make an Impact

Choose where your donation will make the most difference:

Resources for Excellence Annual Fund

Help students thrive through initiatives that enhance their learning experience.

• Classroom Resources – Provide up-to-date technology and materials.
• Leadership & Professional Development – Build leadership skills for impactful careers.
• Innovative Grants for Faculty & Staff – Support creative teaching methods and new projects.

Student Scholarships

Open doors to higher education by reducing financial barriers. The ECC Foundation awards over $350,000 annually across multiple categories.

Scholarship Categories:

• General Scholarships – Support students across a range of needs, including:
  • Adult Learners (age 26+)
  • Community Service Leaders
  • First-Generation Students
• Academic & Leadership Excellence Scholarships – For students with a 3.0+ GPA who demonstrate leadership potential.
  
  • Bachelor’s Degree Pathway students
  • Part-time, degree-seeking residents of District 509
  • Campus leaders active in clubs or service groups
• Career Areas of Study Scholarships – Support for students in targeted fields:
  • Automotive & Technical Trades (Automotive, Industrial Manufacturing, Welding)
  • Health & Medical Professions (Nursing, Radiography, Pre-Med, Massage Therapy)
  • Engineering & Computer Technology (Engineering, CAD, Electronics)

These scholarships empower students to focus on learning, not financial stress — helping them achieve their academic and career goals.

Academic Programs and Student Services

Support the programs and services that directly enrich student life.

• Program Support – Fund equipment, resources, and special projects.
• Student Services – Enhance career counseling, mental health, and tutoring.

Our Commitment to the Community

ECC faculty, staff, and administrators are dedicated to student success.

We strive to:

• Meet students where they are, helping them achieve their dreams.
• Offer hands-on training for in-demand careers.
• Partner with local industry and education leaders to build a stronger workforce and community.

Join Us in Shaping Bright Futures

You can help students succeed for generations to come.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Give – Support through donations, sponsorships, grants, or legacy gifts—every gift matters.
• Volunteer – Join an affinity group, event committee, or the ECC Foundation Board.
• Partner – Collaborate with ECC to build mutually beneficial academic and workforce partnerships.

Gifts by Cash and Check

The Foundation accepts checks, cash, and money orders. Please make checks or money orders payable to:

• ECC Foundation, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin, IL 60123  
• Please do not mail cash.  

Online Donations

Support us securely with online donations and payments. You can choose from convenient payment options, including one-time or recurring donations. Your online gift is protected through our secure payment portal. You will receive a confirmation receipt via email for your records. 

Benefits of Giving Online: 

• Convenience: The convenience of donating anywhere, anytime.
• Flexibility: Set up a one-time donation or choose an amount and schedule for recurring payments.
• Impact: Every donation contributes directly to our mission.

ECC Foundation thanks you for your generosity and commitment to supporting our purpose.

Give Now

Stock Transfer

Giving a stock gift is a strategic way to support ECC while benefiting from a charitable deduction based on the stock’s fair market value. For assistance with your stock transfer, please contact the ECC Foundation at 847-214-7377. We’ll guide you through the necessary transmittal instructions to ensure your gift is processed smoothly.

Pledges

Pledging allows you to fulfill your commitment over a period that works best for you, with options to contribute in installments over as many as five (5) years or another timeframe that fits your plans. This flexible approach to giving can help you significantly impact ECC’s programs and students while aligning with your financial goals. To set up your pledge, please contact the ECC Foundation, and we’ll help create an agreement that suits your charitable intentions.

Will, Trust, Estate Plan, or Insurance Policy

Consider leaving a legacy gift by including the ECC Foundation in your estate plans, ensuring your commitment to education lives on for future generations. Options include:

• Bequests
• Naming ECC as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy
• Establishing a charitable trust

Our team can guide you in various ways to structure a planned gift. Once you notify us of your intentions, you’ll become a member of the Spartan Legacy Society, joining others who believe in the transformative power of education. Contact the ECC Foundation for assistance, or visit our website to learn more about planned giving.

Memorials and Tributes

Honor or remember a loved one, mentor, or cherished friend by designating a gift to the ECC Foundation in their name. Tribute gifts celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements, while memorial gifts honor the life and legacy of those who’ve passed. Your tribute will memorialize your honoree and support future students and educational initiatives.

Rho Kappa Transfer Scholarship

The Rho Kappa Transfer Scholarship, with a goal of $10,000, is dedicated to helping members of the Rho Kappa Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) continue their education at a four-year institution. By supporting this scholarship, you’ll become part of a transformative journey for PTK members as they transition to new academic challenges. Join us in making the Rho Kappa Transfer Scholarship story an opportunity for future scholars.

Matching Gifts

Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple the impact of your donation. Check with your Human Resources department to see if your company has a matching gift program, and request the necessary forms to complete your matching gift. This simple step can maximize your contribution to ECC.

In-Kind Gifts

In-kind gifts or non-cash contributions are valuable in supporting ECC’s mission. From equipment and materials to technology and services, in-kind gifts can meet specific needs and enhance our educational resources. If you want to contribute goods or services, our Foundation team will work with you to determine if the donation aligns with current needs and approval criteria.

If you have questions about any of these giving options, please contact the ECC Foundation at 847-214-7377 or foundation@elgin.edu. We recommend consulting with your professional advisors to ensure your financial and estate plans align with your charitable intentions. Information provided here and on our website is intended for educational purposes only.