Grand Canyon University's Unique Fundraising Campaign for Community Enhancement

A Unique Fundraising Approach by Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU), a prominent private Christian university in Arizona, is initiating an extraordinary fundraising campaign focused on revitalizing its surrounding community. This effort marks GCU's first significant fundraising drive since it reverted to nonprofit status in 2018 and is set to launch during the university's 75th Anniversary Gala. The campaign represents a notable departure from common university fundraising practices, which typically target endowments, new buildings, or similar educational investments.

The funds raised through this campaign will support GCU's ambitious Five-Point Plan, a transformative initiative established in 2015. This plan aims to make substantial changes in the inner-city Phoenix area through five strategic focus areas: serving families in need, enhancing neighborhood safety, improving home values, supporting K-12 education, and creating jobs. The uniqueness of this campaign is evident in its community-centric model, which is not only ambitious but also largely powered by volunteers.

A Closer Look at the Five-Point Plan

1. Serving Families in Need: GCU has forged a partnership with CityServe to utilize 88,000 square feet of warehouse space on its campus. Over the last three years, this collaboration has provided household goods valued at approximately $15.39 million to over 74,500 families in Arizona. The items, primarily surplus goods from major retailers like Costco and Amazon, include essential household items as well as food boxes. The majority of the operations at GCU CityServe are conducted by student and staff volunteers, who help manage the distribution process.

2. Making Neighborhoods Safer: A critical component of the Five-Point Plan is the initiative to enhance neighborhood safety, particularly in the Canyon Corridor region, where GCU has invested $170 million over the past decade. A partnership with the City of Phoenix, started with an 11-year, $2.2 million commitment, has expanded into a broader coalition involving schools, businesses, churches, and local organizations. Their collective efforts have led to a 34% reduction in crime over the last five years, contributing to a more secure environment for residents, especially families with children attending nearby K-12 schools.

3. Improving Home Values: GCU's collaboration with Habitat for Humanity has resulted in the renovation of 598 homes in the area, driven by over $6 million in donations and more than 37,700 volunteer hours since 2015. This effort has directly contributed to improving the overall property values in the neighborhood, creating a positive ripple effect within the community.

4. Supporting K-12 Education: GCU has dedicated resources to provide free tutoring services to 6,650 K-12 students from over 450 local schools, facilitating educational improvement and access. Additionally, the Canyon Rising scholarship program has raised nearly $9.8 million to fund over 1,000 full-tuition scholarships, offering critical support to low-income high school seniors.

5. Creating Jobs: With a workforce exceeding 10,000 individuals, GCU plays a significant role in local job creation. The university has established several business enterprises, including a golf course and restaurants, which not only generate employment for about 500 local residents but also stimulate economic growth in west Phoenix. Furthermore, GCU's Canyon Ventures business incubator provides free resources for 17 start-ups, promoting entrepreneurship in the community.

Beyond Fundraising

Brian Mueller, the president of GCU, emphasizes that this fundraising campaign aims to prioritize community needs over institutional development, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and engagement.

Mueller remarks, "This fundraising campaign is an opportunity to serve others and continue the transformative work we have started." This approach not only addresses immediate community concerns but also fosters unity across diverse groups in a time when many college campuses face societal divisions.

In conclusion, GCU’s innovative fundraising strategy and its Five-Point Plan stand as remarkable examples of how educational institutions can contribute positively to their communities, proving that universities can lead initiatives that foster community development and enhance educational opportunities for future generations.

For more information about GCU and its community initiatives, visit gcu.edu.