National Venture Fund Grant Program

​Since the inception of the National Venture Fund program, more than $4.3 million has been distributed to fund over 100 grant programs. Reported matching funds total $11.4 million, far exceeding the 1:1 required match. This brings the total economic impact of these grant programs to more than $15.7 million. Additionally, ongoing local support for projects seeded by the program surpasses the total reported match.

​Only CIC State Fund Members are eligible to apply for funding from the National Venture Fund. If you work for a private college or university, please contact the State Fund Member in your state.

Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI) – Career Services Initiative ($35,000)
The Career Services Initiative engages all 22 ACI member colleges and universities in acquiring and implementing software that extends the effectiveness and efficiency of campus Career Service Centers and provides students with a web-based “access anywhere” resource that advances successful jobs searches.

Minnesota Private College Fund (MPCF) – "Paying for College" Public TV Production ($14,000)
Through this project, MPCF will create a new public television program on financing a college education, in partnership with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) Minnesota Channel and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Along with regular airing as a 30-minute program on public television stations around the state, the results would be packaged in alternative formats and made available online and through community partners that are working on college access programming, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of applications for admission at Minnesota private colleges.

Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) – Faculty-Mentored Undergraduate Research to Advance Innovations in Sustainability ($17,250)
This project will increase student opportunities for faculty-mentored undergraduate research that advances discovery and innovation in sustainability and environmental issues, particularly practices that have applicability on college campuses. AICUP will provide a forum through which students and industry can come together to share and showcase best practices and new technologies.

Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) – Community and Independent Colleges Connection ($24,000)
The goal of the proposed program is to help VFIC member colleges and universities strengthen their relationships with the Commonwealth’s Community Colleges in order to promote affordable, community-based options for talented students seeking an excellent undergraduate education at a VFIC member institution.

Independent Colleges of Washington (ICW) – Futures Summit for FIHE Network Fundraising Practitioners ($9,750)
This grant funds a one-day meeting with FIHE network representatives who spend at least 50% of their time raising funds for their member colleges. This meeting will specifically address the rapidly changing/challenging environment of corporate and foundation fundraising now facing our state organizations and identify long term strategies that will continue to keep our organizations responsive to our member colleges well into the future.

​Access the RFP and related material for the National Venture Fund grant program on the FIHE Community Site.