News

Crowd the Hilltop to make a difference this December

11.18.2019

Illinois College is launching Crowd the Hilltop, a 30-day crowdfunding campaign, which will kick off on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 3.

We want our partners to feel a real connection to today’s students and what is happening on campus. This project emphasizes how important community support is to all IC students.
Stephanie Elpers Chipman, Vice President of External Relations

As the first-ever crowdfunding campaign at IC, Crowd the Hilltop highlights projects that support student engagement and success that are financed by the IC Fund. According to Stephanie Elpers Chipman, vice president of external relations, the nine selected projects will expand opportunities for hands-on learning and address vital areas of need for IC students. 

“Many of the projects, such as drumline or men’s volleyball, provide a wider range of experiences to better serve our diverse student body. Others — the food pantry, peer tutoring and IC’s professional closet — will ensure that all students at Illinois College have an equal chance to succeed,” Chipman said.

Chipman added that crowdfunding is a great fit for Illinois College because the campus already has a very close-knit, supportive atmosphere that extends to its alumni and parents. Crowd the Hilltop allows the community to be more involved in what is happening on campus and to focus their gifts toward the areas they are most passionate about. 

“When you give to one of these projects, you will be able to see the specific impact of your contributions,” Chipman said. “We plan to keep donors informed with periodic updates from our students and faculty. We want our partners to feel a real connection to today’s students and what is happening on campus. This project emphasizes how important community support is to all IC students.”

The campaign also acknowledges the traditions of Illinois College. For example, funds will be raised for the Debate & Speech team, a historic area of strength for IC that has seen a resurgence in recent years. Donors who want to encourage more giving toward a specific project will have the opportunity to inspire others by setting up a matching gift or extending a challenge. 

“The variety of crowdfunding projects available will allow alumni, parents and friends of IC to explore what is important to today’s students and how those items line up with their own values,” said Chipman. “We are excited to cultivate new partners in this meaningful work.”

Follow Illinois College on social media for updates about Crowd the Hilltop. A list of projects that will launch on Dec. 3 is available at www.ic.edu/crowdfunding. To learn more, contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 217.245.3046. 
 

About Illinois College

Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success. The college is located in Jacksonville, Illinois. With an enrollment of more than 1,000 students, the college offers over 50 undergraduate programs. In 1932, the society of Phi Beta Kappa established a chapter at Illinois College, and it remains one of only 11 in the state.

Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

Visit www.ic.edu for more information.

Media Contact Information
Emily Titsworth '19, Writer
Office of Marketing and Communication
217.245.3219 | emily.titsworth@ic.edu