Building Awareness, Support and Unity

One of the strategies to building a broader base of support for Thurgood Marshall College Fund, its member colleges and universities and the 235,000 students they serve is to heighten awareness and unify corporations, organizations and individuals around a shared goal of preparing a cadre of future leaders who will contribute their talents to advance humankind, the nation and world.

In 2001, in an effort to build greater support for TMCF and its member public HBCUs, the organization engaged Gayle Thigpen-Allen (Allen and Partners, Inc.) and Mary V. Jones (MVJ Consulting) to create a platform that would increase awareness and provide additional streams of support.

One of the tenets of the platform is the “Awards of Excellence,” which was created exclusively for TMCF by Allen and Partners and MVJ Consulting. The “Awards of Excellence” recognize individuals in regional markets for their outstanding contributions in philanthropy, community service and higher education as well as their career accomplishments and commitment to advancing the betterment of society.

The events are fulfilling TMCF’s goal of raising awareness of the organization and intensifying the engagement of the corporate and philanthropic communities as well as private support.

More importantly, under Thigpen-Allen’s and Jones’ strategic approach to fundraising through a national network of contacts and relationship building, TMCF is the recipient of a growing base of support, increased involvement of alumni and corporate partners and greater visibility of member schools and students. To date, funds have been raised in excess of $1.5 million for

TMCF’s capacity building core mission as result of the “Awards of Excellence” events, which have been held in markets such as Charlotte; Detroit; Greater Newark, New Jersey; Jackson, Mississippi; Louisville; Memphis; Philadelphia; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The events are also serving to educate corporations, organizations and individuals on the Fund’s impact by highlighting TMCF’s member universities (in the local communities), showcasing the universities’ students and Thurgood Marshall Scholars, and demonstrating the difference that TMCF is making in transforming students into future leaders. In addition, Jones and Thigpen-Allen have helped to uncover new sources of support for TMCF’s internship programs, recruiting efforts and mentoring opportunities for students.

In the coming year, the events will build on the success of the previous seven years by raising further awareness of TMCF and supporting the organization in opening the doors of opportunity to future generations of leaders.