Bellevue Resident Donates $3 Million to Support Bellevue College Students 

Endowed Scholarship to Serve Historically Disadvantaged and Underserved Students

The Bellevue College Foundation recently received its largest individual gift in the foundation’s history. The gift will spur the creation of an endowed scholarship, which will help thousands of Bellevue College students pay for college for years to come.   

A Bellevue resident and philanthropist with a history of supporting Seattle arts and community organizations pledged $3 million to the foundation in late November, creating an endowed scholarship fund. Endowed scholarships are funded in perpetuity by the yearly interest that comes from donations the foundation invests. This ensures students receive access to that funding throughout time.   

“We are profoundly grateful for this transformative donation, which will empower the dreams of countless students to come,” said Dr. David May, president of Bellevue College. “This gift supports our commitment to removing barriers for all students while providing opportunities that change lives for current and future generations.”

The donor intends for the donation to help increase equitable access to higher education for students who may find themselves with limited resources.   

“It is my hope to help make it possible for individuals to enroll in Bellevue College in order to achieve their academic goals, and to prepare themselves for success in life, success in being able to provide for themselves and their families, and hopefully, success in making a worthwhile contribution to the overall good in society,” the donor wrote in a letter to the foundation, noting that she is particularly interested in supporting students who have been historically disadvantaged or underserved.   

The philanthropist also hopes her gift will inspire others to help fund scholarships during their lifetimes or in their estate plans so that more people can successfully pursue their educational dreams.   

The Bellevue College Foundation distributed about $659,000 in scholarship funding in 2023—its largest year of awards yet. The foundation estimates this endowment will increase the foundation’s impact by about 15% each year with approximately $100,000 more in scholarship funds annually.   

“In a historic moment of generosity, we extend our deepest appreciation to the donor,” Dana Gray, president of the foundation’s board of directors, said. “A scholarship can open new possibilities and provide students peace of mind so they can focus on their education. This monumental gift will do that for thousands of students, fostering education for all and shaping a brighter future for aspiring minds.”   

The scholarship will be available beginning with the 2024-25 academic year. Applications are being accepted now for this scholarship and for others offered by the foundation. In 2023, the foundation awarded 457 scholarship recipients, including 66 program internships, 33 books and supply needs, 251 tuition and fee requests, and 107 student athletes.