FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Sep 26, 2006

Kresge Foundation Makes $600,000 Grant to Support The Campaign to Save Ball Hall

KEUKA PARK, N.Y.—The Kresge Foundation has made a $600,000 challenge grant to Keuka College in support of The Campaign to Save Ball Hall.

The three-year, $10 million fund-raising effort kicked off July 2005 and now stands at $9 million.

College President Joseph G. Burke said the grant is a "major step" toward completion of the funding for the Ball Hall renovation.

"We are delighted that the Kresge Foundation has given its stamp of approval to our College, the renovation and the campaign," said Burke.

According to Executive Vice President Carolanne Marquis, a Kresge Foundation grant is "one of the most difficult to win due to the scrutiny of the grant proposal and the entire college."

While most challenge grants are based on colleges or other organizations matching funds, Marquis said "this Kresge challenge grant is all about increasing participation.

"According to the Foundation, this grant 'presents an opportunity to build institutional capacity by helping us broaden and deepen our base of support from the private sector and by encouraging volunteer involvement  in the fund-raising effort and beyond.'"

"We wholeheartedly agree with this concept," said Burke, "and we've already seen an increase in alumni volunteer involvement thanks to the campaign rallies that have been scheduled around New York state and the country. And, by broadening and deepening our entire constituency, we will be in a better position to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities when not in the midst of a fund-raising campaign."

Burke is counting on all Keuka supporters to bring The Campaign to Save Ball Hall to a successful finish.

"Alumni and others tell us over and over again how glad they were that the College elected to renovate rather than replace Ball Hall," said the president. "Well, we heard them and so did the Kresge Foundation. Now, it is time for them to step up and help us finish the job that is so near and dear to their hearts. I am confident that they will."

The Kresge Foundation, based in Troy, Mich. , is an independent, private foundation created in 1924 by the personal gifts of Sebastian S. Kresge. Its core grant-making program focuses on opportunities to strengthen leadership and giving through challenge grants for capital projects.

In 2005, the Foundation awarded 216 grants totaling $131,770,027 to organizations in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, and Mexico.

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Office of Communications, Keuka College, Keuka Park, New York 14478

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