Three SBVC Foundation staff members pose beside a CASE conference presentation sign highlighting a session on community college employee giving and philanthropic engagement.

On March 10, the San Bernardino Valley College (SBVC) Foundation traveled to San Diego to present at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) conference, highlighting the success of its Centennial Giving Challenge and innovative approach to employee giving.

The presentation, titled “Taking Your Community College Employee Giving from Nothing to Something,” showcased how SBVC built a culture of philanthropy on campus through payroll contributions, strategic engagement, and creative outreach.

Foundation team members shared how the Centennial Giving Challenge transformed employee participation by encouraging faculty and staff to contribute small, recurring gifts—demonstrating that collective impact can drive meaningful support for student scholarships and programs.

Through thoughtful planning, strong leadership support, and a focus on simplicity and engagement, the campaign saw significant growth. Participation increased across campus, with 35% of employees now contributing and total funds raised exceeding $35,000.

The team also highlighted strategies that made the campaign successful, including peer-led “captain” teams, campus events, and incentives that kept momentum strong throughout the initiative.

SBVC’s presentation at CASE not only showcased the college’s commitment to student success, but also positioned the Foundation as a leader in innovative, community college fundraising practices. The experience provided an opportunity to share best practices with peers statewide while bringing visibility to the impactful work happening at SBVC.