An anonymous benefactor has pledged $1 million in matching donations to the Foothill-De Anza Foundation’s Hope Initiative, which addresses basic needs, such as food, housing and mental health support for students facing challenges beyond the classroom. The anonymous donor is matching donations made this year with the goal of hitting the initiative’s $3 million target by the end of the year.
“This remarkable pledge not only provides immediate relief but also aligns with research indicating that students facing basic needs challenges are more likely to encounter obstacles in their academic journey, something I personally witnessed as a student at Foothill College,” said FHDA Foundation Board of Directors President Ashley Oropeza. “This generous support will empower our students to overcome these challenges and thrive in their educational pursuits.”
The additional funding from the anonymous donor is expected to amplify the impact of the initiative, which the foundation board of directors launched in fall 2021. Funds provide students with access to food vouchers, emergency grants and round-the-clock mental health support that helps keep them in class and focused on their goals.
“Donations like these play a pivotal role in ensuring that our students stay in school and reach their educational goals,” FHDA chancellor Lee Lambert said. “By addressing their basic needs, we provide a foundation for success, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve the outcomes they aspire to.”
The anonymous pledge comes at a critical juncture as the initiative aims to raise a total of $3 million by the end of the year. Community members and alumni are encouraged to join the cause by making contributions to the foundation. With the $1 million matching pledge, every dollar donated will have double the impact, bringing the foundation closer to reaching its $3 million target.
To make a donation or learn more about the initiative, please visit foundation.fhda.edu.
