GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Community College Foundation has kicked off its annual spring fundraising campaign.

“Donor support helps to keep our college strong, relevant and integral to the communities we serve,” said GCC President Michelle Schutt. “When you help a student get an education, you’re not just helping the student, you’re helping our entire community to grow and improve.”

The campaign, which will run until June 30, raises money to support student scholarships, student emergency funds and programming at GCC, according to Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Alexis Page.

“Even though this potential MassReconnect is certainly exciting, only about 23% of our current matriculating students would be eligible,” said Page. “The vast majority of our students still need scholarship assistance.”

As part of her fiscal year 2024 budget proposal, Gov. Maura Healey hopes to fund MassReconnect, a new program that would make nearly 1.8 million residents eligible to receive “last dollar support” for a community college education. If passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, MassReconnect would be open to Massachusetts residents over 25 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent, but no college degree. Students must be enrolled at least part-time to be eligible.

Page said dollars raised through the GCC Foundation’s campaign help to “bridge the gap” between state funding and the cost of providing an education at GCC.

“Those gifts help students … stay enrolled and engaged with their classes through financial and life challenges,” she explained.

A donor is also matching 50% of every dollar given to the endowed GCC Student Scholarship Fund up to $50,000, greatly increasing the power of every dollar donated.

Dan Kunhardt and Mary Siano, campaign co-chairs, said investing in GCC is an investment in the community.

“GCC makes possible new horizons and opportunities for anyone, young or old, who seeks to change their life as well as their family’s,” Siano said. “Through education, the community is strengthened and often dreams are realized. A gift to GCC expresses love for your neighbors and their potential.”

Donations to the GCC Foundation’s spring fundraising campaign can be made online at gcc.mass.edu/give.

Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.

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