Jenzabar Launches Foundation To Support Student-Led Projects

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 06/02/08

Jenzabar, which produces a campus management suite of applications, has created a non-profit foundation to fund student-led community service projects around the world. The mission of the Jenzabar Foundation is to recognize and support the humanitarian efforts of student leaders serving others.

"We see The Foundation providing a 'triple win' for the education community," said Robert Maginn Jr., chairman of the Jenzabar Foundation and CEO of the company. "Many student projects cannot move forward without financial backing; without the selfless energy, enthusiasm and creativity of young people, many of the beneficiaries of their work would not be reached; and colleges and universities benefit from the affinity built through the students' connection to their club or activity. This focus supports what we call 'ERA'--enrollment, retention and advancement."

Maginn made the announcement at the annual user meeting of Jenzabar customers.

Jenzabar established a grant program in 2006 and issued nearly 250 grants in 2007 to institutions of higher education in support of service-based student activities and to non-profit organizations involved in education and social welfare.

The Jenzabar Foundation will reach out to colleges and universities to find and fund projects. In addition, student groups are encouraged to apply for the grants through their institutions. The Foundation also will provide grants to other non-profit organizations that have similarly aligned missions.

The foundation aims to promote the activities of grant recipients and resultant goodwill generated through their work by providing interactive Web platforms and technology to showcase student projects, including personal stories, video clips and social networking.

Past recipients of Jenzabar grants include the Union College, Wheelock College, Keuka College, and Avila University.