Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (FDLTCC) and the FDLTCC Foundation are honored and humbled to announce that it has received the largest unrestricted gift in the college’s history from the MacKenzie Scott Foundation, Yield Giving.
“This transformative and incredibly generous multi-million dollar gift will impact our students and community for generations to come in powerful ways,” said FDLTCC President Anita Hanson. “We are deeply thankful to Ms. Scott – her gift has created a lasting legacy for our special institution.”
Recent strategic initiatives—including the FDLTCC Strategic Plan (Fall 2023), the Master Academic Plan (December 2024), and the forthcoming Comprehensive Facilities Plan—will guide the effective use of this gift and set priorities for future development.
Aligned with its strategic plan, FDLTCC will use the gift to enhance scholarships and grant support for both American Indian and non-Native students. Currently, 37 percent of FDLTCC’s student population identifies as American Indian and students of color, and 59% of its students are eligible for federal financial aid.
The funding, which will also be used to create a new FDLTCC Foundation Endowment, will strengthen campus infrastructure, support enrollment growth, and address regional workforce needs through expanded programming tailored to meet Tribal and community goals.
“Creating a new FDLTCC Foundation Endowment, allows us to invest the funds in ways that meet the needs of current and future students and help us fulfill our mission of service to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and our local community,” said Hanson.
“The significance of this funding cannot be understated,” she continued. “The gift honors the unique mission of Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College; acknowledges the commitment of the leaders who came before us; and celebrates the many community members and previous and current employees who worked to make FDLTCC the special institution it is, in support of our diverse student population.”
“We are excited and grateful for Ms. Scott’s generosity,” said Hanson, “and out of respect for other institutions and organizations that were fortunate to receive gifts, we are not focusing on the amount. Instead, we are focusing on the power of her generosity to transform.”
As the only college in the U.S. that is a Tribal College (chartered by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), part of a state public higher education system (Minnesota State), and a federally designated Land-Grant institution, FDLTCC’s vision and mission speak to the college’s deep commitment to our students, community, land, and place.
“In all we do, we strive to respectfully promote the language, culture, and history of the Anishinaabeg and to provide programs – including certificates, diplomas, and 2- and 4-year degrees — that celebrate the richness of our community, provide global learning, promote personal respect and wellness, and offer technological opportunities,” said Hanson.
Five core values guide the FDLTCC campus: Respect: Manaaji’idiwin; Integrity: Gwayakwaadiziwin; Stewardship: Ganawenjigewin; Innovation: Maamamiikaajinendamowin; and Compassion: Zhawenjigewin.
“These core values will guide FDLTCC as the college builds a new legacy with this generous gift. It will allow us to meet our mission, vision, and goals,” said Hanson, “and most importantly, it will allow us to dream even bigger.”
FDLTCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditation from the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium, reflecting its commitment to Ojibwe-Anishinaabe education and cultural integrity. The college is now in its 38th year.