Background

The Charter Oak State College Foundation, Inc. was founded September 15, 1977 as the Connecticut Open Learning Assistance Corporation. The objective of this entity, as stated in the papers of incorporation, was “to provide support for the purposes of the College if state funding was lost. It was intended that the Foundation’s resources would make it possible for the public to continue receiving the advisement, testing and other services that make open access to academic credentials a reality.” The Foundation remains active augmenting the College’s resources. The President of Charter Oak State College is an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. The Foundation is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Mission

• To promote interest in and support of open learning and open credentialing in higher education.



• To solicit and receive donations of funds for the support of the educational purposes of Charter Oak State College, an accredited unit of the public system for higher education, and to apply these funds in the form of financial aid to needy, adult, degree candidates pursuing studies outside the traditional collegiate system.



• To operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes and hence to engage in any lawful act or activity allowed an organization which is (i) formed under the Connecticut Nonstock Corporation Act, (ii) described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal revenue Code of 1954, (iii) exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of said Code.

Funds are raised through the Annual Appeal and targeted fundraising events. Donor requests are directed to either the Annual Fund or the Endowment Fund. Charter Oak has been the beneficiary of grants received from corporations and private foundations.

Learn how to Make a Gift here.