Parkland College Foundation Board Approves New Strategic Plan
The new strategic plan focuses on three areas of emphasis
The Parkland College Foundation Board of Directors has approved a strategic plan for fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2028.
The three-year vision will strengthen the Foundation’s governance, leadership, and organizational capacity to operate as a strategic, philanthropic partner that models accountability, inspires giving, and ensures long-term sustainability. The new strategic plan focuses on three areas of emphasis: commitment to students and access to education; improved partnership with the college strategic priorities; and commitment to the highest standards of governance, transparency, and responsible stewardship.
"The Parkland College Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities and innovative programs to empower the college's mission to engage the residents of District 505 in learning for career advancement in high-demand industries," said Parkland College President Pamela Lau. "In collaboration with alumni, corporations, foundations, and community members, the Foundation continues to ensure success across the college in the years to come."
In a commitment to students’ access to education, the strategic plan focuses on strengthening collaboration with academic and student services across the college. This includes building relationships with college leadership to identify emerging funding opportunities; building a philanthropic partnership with Parkland Athletics to strengthen student-athlete support, enhance facilities, and expand donor engagement; collaborate with Student Services, Financial Aid, and other student success teams to identify and address student needs that philanthropy can help meet; and provide Philanthropy in Action updates to faculty and staff to help understand how Foundation support advances student and program success.
"Our new strategic plan is a promise to our community," said board chair Ron Bensyl, "one shaped by the dedication of our entire Board of Directors, that we are committed to growing the Foundation and creating opportunities, supporting students, and investing in the programs that make Parkland a source of pride across our region."
The strategic plan also establishes joint planning sessions between Foundation and college leadership to identify annual fundraising priorities and shared outcomes. The Foundation will develop a framework for evaluating fundraising initiatives through the lens of college impact, feasibility, and mission alignment. They will also create an annual Funding Priorities Report to communicate key college initiatives to donors and community stakeholders, among other agenda items.
Finally, the strategic plan positions the Foundation as a convener and philanthropic leader, connecting community generosity with local impact. This includes strengthened partnerships with civic, business, and community organizations to expand awareness of Parkland’s role in workforce development, culture, and access to education. Additionally, this section of the plan leverages community-facing programs including Parkland Presents, Athletics, and College for Kids as platforms to engage donors and new audiences.
"This plan ensures donor investments directly advance the college's mission and priorities and create lasting opportunities for Parkland students," said Parkland Foundation Executive Director Danielle Wilberg.
For more information, visit parkland.edu/foundationstrategicplan.