Int’l foundation to support NCU’s expansion

The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) International Development Foundation has embarked on a massive fundraising campaign to culminate in its official launch in August 2023.

The foundation’s goal is to raise US$10 million at the time of the launch, while another US$40 million has been targeted to be raised in the next two years, and US$200 million three to four years after, a release outlined.

Funds raised by the foundation will be used to create a robust endowment fund, as well as undertake a number of major development projects at the university, located in Mandeville, Manchester.

Among the projects and programmes earmarked for funding initially are the centre of dental hygiene and community outreach, the Restoring Every Student’s Confidence Using Education (RESCUE) programme, the lecture theatre for public policy, endowed chairs/professorships (nursing, it computer science, research), institutional development, and other gifts as specified by the donor.

Chairman of the foundation, Dr Bertram L. Melbourne, noted further in the release:

“Leading up to the official launch, the foundation will increase fundraising activities for a big reveal at this event. ... The foundation broke ground for the NCU Celebration Gardens at last year’s Homecoming. The gardens are open to alumni, students, faculty and others to celebrate the contributions of significant people who impacted their journey at NCU. The Gardens will open at Homecoming in November 2023,” he said.

Since its inception, approximately two years ago, the foundation has contributed over $150,000 in cash and materials to the university.

The Northern Caribbean University International Development Foundation is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organisation based in Washington, DC. Its vision is to have a financially sustainable and academically healthy NCU. Its mission is to mobilise people and resources to support the advancement of NCU. It is designed to serve as a global fundraising arm of NCU. Its strategy is to seek support for NCU through collaboration with existing local and international organisations, as well as foundations and other entities.

Northern Caribbean University, formerly West Indies College, is the oldest private tertiary institution in Jamaica.