Important Message from the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges
After nearly 60 years, the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges – previously known as the Virginia College Fund – is closing its doors. At its beginning, the Virginia College Fund became a lifeline for its small, private and mostly rural member colleges. At the time, VCF met an important need, and benefactors helped address it. Over the decades the organization provided nearly $30 million to institutions and the students they serve.
But times change. Benefactors set new priorities. Institutions become more sophisticated in the means by which they raise money. New presidents bring new strategies to meet challenges. Consequently, on April 14, 2025, the board of directors of the Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges voted unanimously to cease operations. The actual date of dissolution will occur later this year, as the board liquidates assets and takes other steps.
“I am deeply honored to celebrate the rich history and impact of our organization,” said CARC chair Brad Hall. “I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education in rural communities. Together, we have fostered partnerships that empower students and strengthen our colleges, ensuring that every individual has access to quality education and opportunities for a brighter future.”
For decades, CARC’s mission – to ensure students have an affordable, value-based education – has been realized through the efforts of dozens of volunteers, leaders and professional staff. We are grateful for the legacy they built.
While the number of CARC-affiliated colleges has varied over the decades, the current member institutions – Averett University, Bluefield University, Eastern Mennonite University and Ferrum College – are longstanding members. They have enrolled thousands of students who have received financial support from CARC and, in turn, have graduated, entered the workforce and supported families. Many of these students would not have even considered attending college had it not been for the individual, corporate and foundation support provided through CARC and its members.
"Virginia’s private colleges are uniquely positioned to transform the lives of non-traditional and first-generation students,” said CARC immediate past chair Liz Povar. “I saw how donor generosity fuels the passion, innovation, and resilience of our member institutions. Through powerful student stories and visionary campus leadership, the impact of CARC’s work came to life.”
CARC extends its gratitude to the many donors who have contributed to CARC (and the Virginia College Fund) over the years.
Because of donors like you,” said Ms. Povar, “these institutions will continue to develop young people into productive adults. I’m confident that with continued direct support for our members, they will keep building opportunity and excellence for generations to come."
Contact information for our members can be found at the website links below.
https://www.averett.edu/giving/