The Bush Foundation has awarded Bethel University a $1 Million Matching Challenge in support of its Taking the Next Step campaign. This provides a huge boost for the successful completion of the campaign, which ends on May 31, 2008.

The Foundation is offering a dollar-for-dollar match of any gifts or pledges in amounts up to $250,000 each for capital priorities of the College of Arts & Sciences within the university’s comprehensive resource campaign. “It continues a history of wonderful support that the Bush Foundation has provided for Bethel facilities and academic program needs,” notes President George K. Brushaber.

The $30 million centerpiece of the campaign, the University Commons, is Bethel University’s first student center. This beautiful and functional facility will provide a much needed “family room” for the Bethel community with spaces for dining, gathering, and essential student services. The grant provides an important focus on the University Commons, which is the largest single priority in the campaign.

“The University Commons student center is much needed and will enhance the learning opportunities for Bethel students by creating a place where students can interact with each other and with the faculty,” said Bush Foundation President Peter Hutchinson. “We hope that our grant will encourage more generosity from potential donors and hasten the completion of the project.”

Bethel’s donors have already provided more than $93 million in commitments toward an overall campaign goal of $105 million. “We are encouraged by great progress in the central objective of transforming Bethel’s stewardship culture and expanding its donor base to position us for a healthy future,” notes Vice President for Development Bruce Anderson.

The Bush Foundation is a private grant making organization whose mission is to improve regional quality of life by strengthening organization, community, and individual leadership. Established in 1953 by 3M executive Archibald Granville Bush and his wife Edyth, the Foundation supports programs that sustain communities in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota through the promotion of healthy people, a thriving cultural life, and economic vitality.