FS Reaches NIP Scholarship Goal

Fairmont State has reached 100 percent of its goal for the Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) Scholarship. The Fairmont State Foundation, Inc., has received more than $37,000 to aid its students. The scholarship benefits West Virginia residents attending Fairmont State whose yearly income is less than 125 percent of the federal poverty level.

Donors committing $500 or more to the NIP Scholarship fund are eligible to receive state tax credits for as much as 50 percent of their donation. The scholarship is in direct result of almost $19,000 in West Virginia state tax credits awarded to the institution from the Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) sponsored by the West Virginia Development Office.

In its first year of participation in the NIP program, Fairmont State was granted one of the largest allotments of tax credits in the state.

"Our 100 percent donor participation rate ensures the possibility for future awards from the state in coming years. It is a win-win situation for low-income students at Fairmont State and donors wishing to decrease their tax burden with West Virginia state tax credits. We are thrilled to be able to offer this incentive," said K. Jean Ahwesh, Executive Director, Fairmont State Foundation, Inc.

"Due to the success of the program we may receive additional credits this year from the West Virginia State Development Office, which we will begin making available on April 1, 2006."

The mission of the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc., is to support, through ethical stewardship, the mission of Fairmont State University and Fairmont State Community & Technical College. The Foundation will identify, establish and cultivate meaningful relationships with Fairmont State alumni and potential and existing funding constituencies to meet contributor needs while securing funds and supporters for priority objectives identified by the Board of Directors.

Credits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To find out how to reserve an NIP state tax credit by making a gift to the Fairmont State Foundation, Inc., call Chris Morgan at (304) 367-4009 or toll-free at (866) 372-2586.