Santa Monica College Foundation’s President’s Circle was established in 2001 as a private support group for the College. Its members contribute a minimum of $1000 annually in unrestricted funds to be used for the enhancement and support of the campus’ programs.

To date, President’s Circle contributions have been used for the Associated Students Child Care Fund, special need scholarships, support of a Dale Ride Intern for 8 weeks in Washington D.C., and assistance with the funding of the campus’ Chairs of Excellence.

This year, because the membership reached over 200 and contributions topped $235,000, PC donations were used to establish the Margin of Excellence Mini-Grants program. Faculty and program directors were invited to apply for grants up to $5000 for special unfunded needs within their academic departments, i.e. equipment, supplies, software. In fall, 2005, the first $45,000 in mini-grants will be awarded at a special luncheon on campus. As PC membership grows, the Foundation hopes to distribute even more funds along this avenue of direct financial assistance to enhance the teaching and learning experiences at SMC.

Each year the Foundation hosts an appreciation dinner for members of the Circle, at which time they learn about projects that have been funded and enjoy an evening of special entertainment. In addition, the President’s Circle Honor Wall is updated annually for prominent display near the President’s Office on campus.

Members also receive invitations to special campus programs and events. Membership is by calendar year and can be paid by check or credit card, or with negotiable securities. Gifts are tax deductible to the extent of the law.

July 11, 2004 also gave birth to an auxiliary group that quickly became notorious as the SMCF Calendar Girls!

Santa Monica College’s Foundation President’s Circle

Membership form and payment instructions should be forwarded directly to the SMC Foundation.