DONALDSON, Ind. – In the same month that Ancilla College received a $1 million grant from the Lilly Foundation for developing new programs, the college received a major gift commitment from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.The $875,000 gift will be split, with $612,500 being placed in the Ancilla Fund for operations and $262,500 being earmarked for the Ancilla College Endowment Fund. The gift creates an opportunity for Ancilla and its supporters to match and double the impact of the anonymous gift through increased funds for student scholarships and other forms of student financial aid.

“Beginning now and continuing through the end of 2014, the College will seek contributions to both the Ancilla Fund and to the college’s Endowment Fund with the goal of doubling the anonymous gift,” said Todd Zeltwanger, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

“We are thrilled to be able to share the news of this giving challenge with the surrounding community and with our alumni. It is our hope that current and new donors will take advantage of this opportunity to help us double the impact of this major contribution,” Zeltwanger said.

“Every $100 donation becomes a $200 increase in funds we use to support local students. It’s a remarkable way to support educational opportunity right here in northern Indiana,” he said.

“We are grateful for the amazing generosity of the donor who has given us this challenge. Fully realizing the challenge will enable the college to receive more than $1.2 million for current operations and add $525,000 to the college’s permanent endowment,” said Dr. Ron May, president of the college.