2024–2025 Annual Report
Student Support Foundation
club members are learning
the skills and joys of giving.
When John and I started the Student Support Foundation in 2003, we wanted to share our love of philanthropy—and the importance of giving—with the next generation. We wanted to pass on the skills of grant making, and open students’ eyes to the fact that even small gifts can have massive impact.
Over the past two decades, the philanthropy landscape has evolved, and so have we. Because community and individual needs are so great—especially over the past year—we’ve had to become more strategic with our limited dollars. Much to our delight, we are seeing SSF clubs do the same. They have become increasingly discerning and collaborative in their sincere desire to support their fellow students. They are learning how to stretch their dollars through additional fundraising, to be ever more creative in their programming, and to partner with other organizations on their campuses.
When SSF club members receive grant applications from their peers, they gain a better understanding of true need. When they see many worthy causes but come up short on available funds, they become more resourceful. They develop compassion and build skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
We are honored to share the successes of the past year, and pleased to commit to another year of funding the Student Support Foundation.
To all SSF members and club sponsors—past, present and future—thank you for all you have done!
With gratitude,
Carrie and John Morgridge
Co-founders
Since inception in 2003…
$1,008,434
invested by MFF
117,358
people impacted
$1,331,112
distributed by schools
$322,678
raised by schools
14 SSF CLUBS, AT THE HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE LEVEL, HAD 215 MEMBERS IN 2024–2025.
HERE’S WHAT STUDENTS SAID THEY LEARNED :
“Being part of SSF has allowed me to think about ways everyone can work together and share ideas to help students who need it. Being the treasurer of the club has helped me learn how to share a financial perspective and apply my thoughts when making any challenging decision. I learned not to hesitate to speak out about what I believe, and I wasn’t scared to get into a disagreement. Having the space, time, and chance to work with others has helped me understand a divergence of perspectives throughout the years.”
“I have learned that students really do care for each other, and that something that I may see as a small change can have an incredibly positive impact on others in my school.”
“Being part of SSF has taught me the importance of intentionality and fairness when it comes to supporting student needs. I’ve learned how to assess requests with both empathy and objectivity, balancing individual circumstances with the guidelines and resources available.”
“Everyone in this club is so open-hearted and thoughtful and they really care about putting the people in their community first.”
Moments from the 2024–2025 school year
2024–2025 SSF School Chapters
Arrupe Jesuit High School
Denver, CO
Founded: 2024 | President: Christian R.
In their inaugural year, Arrupe’s SSF chapter spent the school year discovering what philanthropy can mean for their community. Already one of the larger SSF clubs with 20 members, they focused their efforts on areas that aligned with what they consider to be the core values of their school: being open to growth and pursuing intellectualism.
The club was especially eager to support Arrupe’s teachers, understanding that this can be a foundational and long-term investment that doesn’t just help Arrupe’s current students, but students for years to come. For example, they made one grant to a teacher who founded their school’s green club, knowing the teachers’ passion for the outdoors would be infectious and enriching to students.
The club was also successful in raising funds beyond the $250 that is required of all participating high schools. Arrupe offers a unique program that allows students to intern for a company once a week, and chapter president took advantage of this opportunity to explain SSF’s work to their host company. Their supervisor was moved to donate $250, which was then generously matched by the company.
“I’ve learned the importance of giving and taking the time to hear people. Being one of the people in charge of handing out grants made me really understand how much consideration and attention we must give to the people we serve in our school community.”
Bridgewater College
Bridgewater, VA
Founded: 2015 | President: Brady S.
Having officially completed their tenth year, the Bridgewater SSF chapter applied all they’ve learned in the past decade to their philanthropic work over the 2024–25 school year and are eagerly looking ahead to the next decade. In honor of this benchmark, the chapter is now eligible for MFF’s Dream Big Award, which honors clubs with funding of up to $25,000 for a project after completing their first decade with SSF. They’re already considering options for their project for 2025–26, including opening a food pantry and revitalizing a student community lounge on campus.
This year, the chapter again focused their efforts on meeting the critical needs of their student body, and with the help of a $2,000 donation from the Kline-Bowman Institute, they were able to assist with everything from school supply costs to unforeseen medical expenses. The chapter prioritized combatting food insecurity, which has remained a significant issue for students. They provided grants to cover students’ food expenses, especially for international and commuter students disproportionately affected by dining hall closures over breaks.
Buoyed by the success of the year, the chapter is already setting itself up for success next year. The club plans to host two fundraising events, one in the fall and one in the spring, and has already made headway with recruitment, with many new 2024–25 members taking on leadership positions next year.
“Being part of SSF has taught me how powerful small acts of support can be. I’ve learned that financial stress often hides beneath the surface, even in people who seem like they have it all together. It’s shown me how deeply one unexpected expense—like a medical bill or broken laptop—can derail someone’s academic journey. More than anything, I’ve learned the value of listening with empathy and making thoughtful decisions that can truly change someone’s day, week, or even semester.”
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy
Milwaukee, WI
Founded: 2024 | President: Azaria G.
The Dr. Howard Fuller SSF Cubs for Cubs chapter was excited to launch its first year. They focused on volunteering at family events held on campus and service opportunities hosted by their peer clubs and organizations, as well collaborating with external community organizations to enhance projects that bring a positive impact on their community.
Students were especially excited to provide a grant to their school’s majorette team to cover the cost of costumes. Their funding was on full display as the team performed during the school’s Youth Victory Over Violence three-day event, which they also helped fund. The event hosts community leaders, activists, and first responders to give sessions on different issues in the community like bullying, sexual assault, and domestic violence.
They were equally excited to fund a field trip to a Black history museum. This was especially meaningful because the school serves a predominantly Black student body, and the experience offered the opportunity to learn more about the rich history and culture of their ancestors and their legacies.
“I am proud of the grant we gave to Youth Victory Over Violence. It means a lot as a young Black man growing up around a lot of violence.”
Dubuque Senior High School
Dubuque, IA
Founded: 2019 | President: Lilly A.
With 27 members, including 15 new ones, the Dubuque SSF chapter was again one of the largest chapters, second only to their sister school Hempstead. Their fundraising efforts, which exceeded their goal, helped in part to support their service project, The Giving Room—an open closet where any member of the Dubuque community can access items like clothing, snacks, personal hygiene products, and school supplies. A large portion of Dubuque’s student body struggles to meet their basic needs, so the closet has been especially impactful. The chapter attracted new members after distributing cards with information about the Giving Room, introducing students to SSF.
The chapter also provided grants broadly to their community, from funding supplies for their geometry and econ classes to funding conference fees for the new GSA club. The chapter was particularly enthusiastic and proud of their funding for the school’s Special Needs Department, which provided them with everything from books for low vision or blind students to curricula in the life skills and social emotional programs. At the individual level, the chapter was able fund critical needs like food and transportation, while also alleviating academic debt that would have prevented recipients from graduating.
“I think it’s awesome just how much everyone in the chapter truly wants to help students and the school itself. It’s refreshing to have such a compassionate group within the school.”
Dunnellon High School
Dunnellon, FL
Founded: 2015 | President: Brayden S.
Dunnellon’s SSF chapter celebrated their tenth year, making them newly eligible for MFF’s Dream Big Award, which honors clubs with funding of up to $25,000 for a project after completing their first decade with SSF. They’re already considering options for their project for 2025–26, including an LED sign for the front of the school and a mural for a school hallway.
This year, the chapter focused on funding student groups, teacher instruction, and the school’s infrastructure needs. They were able to fund expenses for a state competition for the school’s robotics club. They provided calculators for a math teacher’s class so that the teacher didn’t have to use personal expenses to support their students. They were especially proud to cover the fee for a student to register for the Classic Learning Test (CLT), which allowed that student to graduate.
“As part of SSF, I learned that grant givers are often faced with difficult decisions in choosing who gets a grant because we only have so much money to give.”
Hempstead High School
Dubuque, IA
Founded: 2019 | President: Kathryn K.
Like last year, Hempstead’s SSF chapter was the largest with a whopping 49 members, including 29 new ones. From sports teams to academic classes, clubs, and individual student needs, the chapter was able to spread their funding far and wide, seemingly impacting the entire student body. They helped sports teams like tennis, track, and basketball pay for needed equipment. Classes across all departments, from math and physics to art and music, were awarded funds for supplies, bolstering academics and student engagement. The English department was able to purchase graphic novels. The math department received new calculators. The art department could purchase a sewing machine, giving students an opportunity to try a new artistic discipline. The chapter’s giving was also felt individually, like covering the fee for the required certification test for students pursuing a career in nursing.
They were able to be so impactful because of their well-developed giving strategy. Working with limited funds, they took a conservative approach to funding, often approving only part of the total requested and encouraging applicants to reapply later to ensure they could sustain giving throughout the year. They took a page out of MFF’s grant-giving strategy for SSF chapters for their own giving. Like MFF, which requires chapters to raise a small amount of funding on their own, the chapter asked school groups to provide proof of independent fundraising as a step to securing more than one grant for their club.
“I’m proud of the grant we gave for holiday help. There are a lot of kids who do not receive gifts for Christmas. This grant allowed us to splurge on kids and make sure they get everything they want and need. It is sometimes sad that their Christmas lists have things like soap and hygiene products, so making sure they can get all of that and more is really special.”
La Follette High School
Madison, WI
Founded: 2008 | President: Isabella M.
To bolster La Follette’s goal of having strong relationships within classes and between students, the La Follette SSF chapter made sure to provide financial support to classes, clubs, and individuals that help create a strong, positive community. One notable grant was given to the school’s Latinx club for their Day of the Dead celebration. With live music, performances, food, and history presentations, the event was not just a great moment of representation and inclusivity for La Follette’s predominantly Hispanic student population. It also presented non-Hispanic students with the opportunity to engage with a new culture and connect with their peers.
To support student learning, the chapter approved a grant for the school’s newly reopened automotive program, which lacked adequate funding, to cover the cost of new equipment and the fees for a competition. The chapter’s members were also moved by the impact of grants awarded to individuals. One request, submitted by a teacher, allowed a student to afford a winter coat. This offered a moment of gratitude for members who had never experienced a lack of basic needs and were touched that a teacher would take the time to advocate for a student’s wellbeing.
These grants were possible because of the chapter’s thoughtfully developed giving strategy. After receiving grant applications for a significant portion of their funding in the first few months of the school year, they developed a plan to ensure their funds would last yearlong. They created more regimented criteria, allowing them to give more effectively and prioritize grants that impact more than one group of people.
“Being the treasurer of the club has helped me learn how to share a financial perspective and apply my thoughts when making any challenging decision. I learned not to hesitate to speak out about what I believe, and I wasn’t scared to get into a disagreement. Having the space, time, and chance to work with others has helped me understand different perspectives.”
Mesa Community College
Mesa, AZ
Founded: 2020 | President: Paige A.
Like last year, MCC’s SSF chapter provided critical funding to their college community. The chapter was overwhelmed by grant applications for emergency funding, which they decided to prioritize based on community need. Knowing they couldn’t give funds to everyone, the chapter’s members improved their rubric to rank funding priorities. Sticking to their rubric allowed them to navigate the difficult task that many philanthropists face—setting emotions aside to provide fair and equitable funding. They learned the importance of setting clear expectations in the application form as well as clear communication about the process for how funds are allocated.
Through these efforts, the chapter was able to maximize the impact of its giving, especially to individual students, helping to alleviate stress so they can focus on their education. The chapter members were especially proud to offer funds to single parents and parents who were struggling to afford childcare, especially at a time when the college’s childcare center was shutting down. From covering the gap in funds for a military student awaiting military benefits to assisting a student struggling with food insecurity over winter break, chapter members felt their palpable impact. It was especially memorable to learn from one student grantee that the funding they received allowed them to complete the semester when they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to.
“My time with SSF taught me a lot about grants, the population on campus, and the needs of students.”
Olympia High School
Orlando, FL
Founded: 2003 | President: Geriana P.
With an incredibly active campus, Olympia’s SSF chapter recognized that many school groups wouldn’t be able to exist without additional funding, and that some individual students would not have the means to participate in these groups without additional support, as well. So this year, the chapter focused their grantmaking on supporting the school’s clubs, teams, and groups across the arts, athletics, and academics, especially as groups accomplished major achievements.
For example, the chapter helped cover the cost of the school band’s trip to New York City, where the band had the opportunity to perform at the historical and prestigious Carnegie Hall. When the school dance team had the chance to attend a fair in Pittsburgh that would give them new dance and college opportunities, the chapter not only helped cover the cost of the trip, but also joined forces with the dance team to organize a joint fundraising effort.
When more members than ever of the HOSA Future Health Professionals club made it to the state competition, the SSF chapter rewarded their success with funding that allowed the members to attend. And when it came time for the greatest achievement of all—high school graduation—the chapter was especially proud to cover the cost of caps and gowns for students who couldn’t afford them.
Over the course of the year, the chapter members were able to hone their giving philosophy, which was put to the test when the debate team requested significant funds to cover the cost of a trophy for one student. Remaining committed to substantive, wide impact, the chapter denied the request and instead awarded the team much more funding than requested to help cover the cost of their trip to the national championship.
“I first joined SSF during my sophomore year when a friend asked me to join, and I was curious about the purpose and overall significance that this club had in our school community. After three years in the club, I was able to learn what philanthropy is and how important it is to have in a community. Seeing students who are facing economic challenges be able to take part in clubs or events that provide them with key experiences and opportunities makes me happy and proud to be part of SSF.”
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, NH
Founded: 2004 | President: Amber L.
As one of the larger chapters, with 25 members, including 15 new ones, Plymouth’s SSF chapter had an impactful year that they approached with intention from day one. They conducted an initial campus community-needs assessment, which highlighted several critical areas of student concern that they then used to develop their priorities for the year. One of the most pressing issues was food insecurity, prompting them to expand the Community Cupboard on campus, which they accomplished through a new fundraising effort—a dodgeball tournament. Students also reported experiencing financial insecurity, including difficulty affording basic needs, educational materials like textbooks, and general living expenses. To ensure the chapter could effectively support these efforts and remain sustainable, members also prioritized funding for club operations, events, and fundraising initiatives.
But the grants closest to members’ hearts were the ones given to individual students who they said were dealt an unlucky hand and, thanks to SSF funding, were immediately and significantly impacted. When a student who lacked health insurance had to take an emergency trip to urgent care, they were left with a hefty bill that they couldn’t afford. Rather than taking on medical debt, which could jeopardize the students’ educational progress, the chapter covered the cost—as many members remembered their own struggles with surprise medical bills—so the student could focus on their health and studies. When another student encountered a string of misfortune, first losing their father and later becoming a victim of financial fraud, leaving them unable to afford textbooks, the chapter was happy to be able to cover their expenses. Through grants like these, members quickly learned the importance of their work on campus and recognized that giving can be more than just offering money—it can be a light in an otherwise dark moment.
“You never know what someone is going through or what someone’s financial situation looks like, so treat everybody decently.”
Rollins College
Winter Park, FL
Founded: 2012 | President: Manuella B. and Sabrina B.
This year, Rollins’ SSF chapter set out to provide holistic and impactful support to students, funding academic needs like textbooks and conference costs, personal needs like food and clothing, and community needs like leadership development opportunity expenses. Whether funding the cost of new glasses, supporting an unexpected car repair service, or helping a student recover after a natural disaster, the chapter made a significant and meaningful impact on many students’ lives.
One especially notable grant was awarded to a student who had recently been forced to live in their car due to an unstable housing situation. The grant provided critical support, including meal swipes to supplement their lack of a meal plan and limited access to cooking facilities, shelf-stable food tailored to their medical needs, and funding for gas, hygiene products, and medication. In addition to offering immediate financial support, the club connected the student to campus resources, where they accessed additional support. Through grants like this, the chapter members learned that while immediate financial help is important, they can also have a cost-free, long-term impact by connecting those in need with existing resources.
The chapter was able to provide funding to so many students in part because of their fundraising efforts, which far exceeded what was required, raising more than any other chapter. Through numerous efforts like participating in the inaugural Rollins College Student Philanthropy Week, continuing its partnership with the Rollins Urban Farm and Rollins Dining Services to sell SSF tote bags, and partnering with restaurants and the Student Outreach and Resource Center, the chapter was able to raise more than $12,000.
“The work we do is so, so important and meaningful to students on campus. I never realized what a big impact SSF made until I joined.”
Stetson University
DeLand, FL
Founded: 2017 | Vice President: Jazlyn Gregory
In their eighth year, Steton’s SSF chapter was able to raise more funds than ever, collecting more than $4,000 from over 45 donors through various fundraising efforts. They put these funds to good use, prioritizing their grantmaking on serving their student body’s academic needs. As a private university with a focus on business and other professional studies, the cost of materials like textbooks is a significant burden, especially for the large population of international students who have limited work hours and restricted access to financial resources. SSF’s educational grants made an immediate impact on grantees. For example, when one international student lost the financial support of their family, they were at risk of not being able to complete the semester, which was abated through the chapter’s support.
Stetson has an extensive network of employer partnerships, providing students with direct access to resume-building opportunities, networking events, and internships, many of which serve as pathways to full-time employment. But associated costs can be prohibitive. The chapter’s support of professional expenses allowed students to attend conferences, secure internships, and continue on to graduate programs, setting them up for long-term success.
Affording basic needs also weighs heavily on many students and can threaten their ability to remain enrolled. The chapter’s grantmaking in this area was especially illuminating to members who had not realized the extent of financial strain on Stetson students and the significance of SSF’s impact. When a senior student’s father passed, they not only lost their only family member, but also their sole source of financial support, leaving the student unable to afford basic living expenses, tuition, and even the cost of the funeral. SSF’s support covered all these expenses, offering more than just financial relief—it provided emotional stability during an incredibly challenging time. Because of this, the student was able to graduate on time and is now poised to pursue their career aspirations.
“I’ve learned the importance of philanthropy and providing community support. Without SSF, many students would suffer in great poverty or have to give up on their dreams of higher education. By providing educational, professional, and personal relief, students have been able to thrive in their environments and continue to achieve their goals. For those who are more fortunate than others, we need to give back to our communities not only for personal growth, but also for community development. Great things happen when there is a strong community and those who receive opportunities now will give back in the future.”
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
Founded: 2016 | President: Sydney S.
This year, UCF’s SSF chapter focused on the student needs identified from past years’ applicants—food insecurity, medical costs, academic expenses, and most importantly housing, which students named as their most critical need. These needs were more apparent than ever in the case of one grantee whose application indicated severe financial strain. Unable to afford housing, the student was living in a tent in an encampment near campus and was also unable to afford basic food and medical expenses. Faced with such a dire circumstance, the chapter members decided to bend their rules, giving the student much more than their usual grant maximum. More than just offering money, they also connected the student with existing free food and housing resources offered by the University, as well as mental health resources.
Grants like these even made an impact beyond the individual lives of student grantees. When one student needed emergency funding to cover rent, SSF’s funding allowed the student to stay housed and undisrupted in their studies, and they were soon after able to become a prosperous contributor in their own part of the UCF community. When another student was struggling to meet their basic needs, SSF’s grant allowed them to not only stay afloat, but also continue supporting their family at home who greatly relied on them. The chapter was able to make such a wide impact because of their fundraising efforts. They solicited a matching grant from Student Government, giving them $6000 to work with, in addition to their other funds. Having significant funds to distribute has made them all the more excited as they head into their tenth year and start considering projects for MFF’s Dream Big Award, which honors clubs with funding of up to $25,000 for a project after completing their first decade with SSF.
“I have learned a great deal about myself through being a part of SSF. I have learned how to be a professional in my field, as well as a dedicated and committed leader. SSF has allowed me to be a part of something bigger than myself and I have learned how to truly be grateful not only for my life, but for the other SSF members and sponsors. With the help of SSF, our chapter is able to alleviate UCF students’ stressors so they are able to focus on completing their education, which has taught me to forever be thankful for and appreciative of the opportunities I have to succeed and grow as a person.”
Vel Phillips Memorial High School
Madison, WI
Founded: 2010 | Co-Presidents: Izzy J. and Julianne P.
Vel Phillips’ SSF chapter approached the year with the goal to serve all of the school’s 2,000 students. When considering grant applications, members asked three critical questions: 1) Does it provide measurable impact? 2) Does it serve a diverse group of students? 3) Does it address a real need? Having this useful guide helped them to make tough decisions while making an impact far and wide. They provided a grant to the art department to purchase drawing tablets so students no longer had to share or use outdated supplies. They granted the math department funds for graphing calculators, which are both necessary for many classes and quite expensive, helping students who would otherwise be unable to afford the cost.
They awarded the underfunded life skills department, home to the special needs program, a new washer-dryer after it broke midway through the first semester. The program doesn’t only teach these students important skills like washing dishes. Rather than wastefully re-washing clean clothing, these students practice laundry skills with clothing from low-income students at the school who are invited to bring their clothes to be laundered and would otherwise be unable to afford the cost. From grants to the volunteering club to outdoor learning classes and the school orchestra, the chapter’s work was felt by all—even by chapter members themselves. They noted seeing very quiet students blossom into outstanding leaders and communicators.
As they think about the year ahead, they’re especially excited that their Dream Big Award project—building an outdoor classroom—is on its way to becoming a reality.
“I’ve learned that VPM is a much more close-knit community than I had originally thought. After joining SSF, I’ve learned of clubs that I had no clue existed beforehand, and I can also now see that there is a lot of collaboration between different clubs and classes.”