BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Jenzabar Foundation, which issues grants to institutions of higher education and other charitable organizations, today announced its official status as a public charity. With the new authorization to raise money from outside sources as a public charity, The Foundation will have greater ability to fulfill its core goal to support service-based student groups on college and university campuses as well as other nonprofit organizations with similarly aligned missions.
Previously receiving its funding solely from Jenzabar, Inc., The Jenzabar Foundation is now seeking additional financial support from the general public and other sources to expand its outreach and better support the good works and humanitarian efforts of student leaders and non-profit organizations serving others across the global community. Through its work, the Foundation has recognized an increase in the demand for aid to student-based service initiatives, and is now partnering with other foundations, corporations, and individuals that also recognize the value of student-led community service and volunteerism.
“The Jenzabar Foundation is delighted to be able to support a much wider range of groups and individuals within the higher education and service sectors, both domestically and internationally,” said Robert A. Maginn, Jr., Chairman of the Jenzabar Foundation and CEO and Chairman of Jenzabar, Inc. “The public charity status will open a world of new opportunities for us to raise funds and build new partnerships as we strive to support the next generation of leaders who will change our world for the better.”
Earlier this year, Chairman of the Board of Advisors for The Jenzabar Foundation, Ling Chai, announced a $1 million humanitarian effort to support human rights and a peaceful democratic China over the next five years. Many of the groups and projects that will be funded through this commitment will relate to educational and student-led service work. The Foundation also recently hosted a Best in Class Student Leadership Conference where students from around the nation gathered, networked, and spoke about best practices in student philanthropy and social entrepreneurship. The Illinois College of Optometry awarded The Jenzabar Foundation with the 2009 Humanitarian Award during their Annual Alumni Association’s Awards banquet where the Foundation was honored for its excellence and leadership in philanthropy.
The Jenzabar Foundation rewards student leaders committed to humanitarian efforts, seeks innovative student community service projects in need of additional financial or organizational assistance, supports colleges and universities by providing supplemental financial resources for valuable student efforts, and partners with international non-profit organizations to inspire future generations to make a difference. The Foundation has funded more than 300 colleges and universities and student-led campus groups through its annual student leadership awards and other grant programs. Educational and social welfare related non-profit organizations The Foundation has supported include Somaly Mam, China Care, ThanksUSA, One Hen, FORGE, Massachusetts-based One Family, and many other local and national charities.
As a public charitable and educational organization, The Jenzabar Foundation will execute new initiatives to foster a culture of service, provide additional awards and grants opportunities, and further recognize impactful service projects through building a stronger Web presence. Tactics already in place include social media participation on Twitter, Facebook, and The Jenzabar Foundation blog, as well as the launch of The Jenzabar Foundation Community Network, an interactive Web platform with online community-building tools to showcase student projects with forums and chat rooms.
About The Jenzabar Foundation
The Jenzabar Foundation issues grants to institutions of higher education and other charitable organizations with similarly aligned missions, and helps promote the activities of grant recipients within their communities and on a global level. The Jenzabar Foundation is a charitable and educational organization that received its initial funding from Jenzabar, Inc., but is now seeking financial support from the general public. Foundation grants are managed by the Foundation itself or through cooperating educational organizations. For more information please visit The Foundation Web site at www.thejenzabarfoundation.org.