Stillman College in Tuscaloosa has been named one of just 11 institutions selected for the inaugural cohort of the HBCU Brilliance Initiative, a new national effort led by Reinvestment Fund – a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with offices in Philadelphia and Atlanta.
The Brilliance Initiative is designed to strengthen the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As part of the program, Stillman College and the other cohort members will each receive $40,000 in grant funding along with access to up to $1 million in financing. These funds are intended to jump-start key projects such as campus infrastructure upgrades, early-stage development and planning work and initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental resilience.
“I think this program that the Reinvestment Fund has developed for these 11 HBCUs is very much needed as we as institutions continue to think through how we can ensure that our campuses have many of the modern conveniences that are necessary for our faculty, our staff, our current students, as well as our future students,” said Dr. Yolanda Page, president of Stillman College. “I’m very happy to be a part of this group.”
Along with funding, the cohort will also receive opportunities to come together regularly to strengthen their connections, share ideas and build capacity. Guided by a hands-on technical assistance program led by the Reinvestment Fund – and supported by a council of HBCU leaders, advocates, and financial experts – the cohort will work together to expand what’s possible for their campuses and communities.
As part of the HBCU Brilliance Initiative, Stillman College and the other cohort members will each receive $40,000 in grant funding along with access to up to $1 million in financing. (contributed)
“We are so thrilled to announce this inaugural cohort of the HBCU Brilliance Initiative program, a transformational experience that will help to build thriving higher education institutions and sustainable communities,” said Christina Alexis, head of HBCU Brilliance Initiative Program at Reinvestment Fund. “The selected institutions demonstrate a high level of excellence already, as well as the ongoing need for support through knowledge building, access to capital and incomparable technical assistance. We are proud to work with these institutions to secure their futures by increasing funding, strengthening infrastructure, and creating pathways for long-term success.”
The inaugural cohort includes:
The next 150 years
For Stillman, the timing of this initiative couldn’t be better.
“I thought that it would be a wonderful opportunity to do some of the things that I strategically would like to get done for Stillman as we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary,” Page said.
Stillman, founded in 1876, will use the funding for its Comprehensive Campus Infrastructure Modernization and Capital Planning. This includes a comprehensive facility condition assessment of all 39 buildings on Stillman’s campus.
“As we plan to move forward into our next 150 years, it is imperative for us to get a sense of how we can ensure that we are effectively utilizing those 39 buildings,” Page said.
Stillman’s plans also include digitizing building blueprints and developing a budget model to fortify the school’s financial future.
More than money
In addition to the structured program, the Brilliance Initiative aims to create lasting funding and resources to support future projects benefiting participating HBCUs, where more than 70% of students are Pell Grant recipients or the first in their families to attend college. Continued collaboration with community partners, policymakers and researchers will further advance these institutions’ growth, ensuring they can modernize and expand the resources available to their students.
“They’ve pulled together some heavy hitters to serve as advisors to us,” Page said. “I’m looking forward to being able to learn, to share, to listen, and to develop a closer relationship with some of my fellow presidents.”
Page added that she’s also hoping to discover opportunities for collaboration among her fellow cohort members.
Stillman College will also gain opportunities for networking and hands-on technical assistance through the HBCU Brilliance Initiative. (contributed)
“The HBCU Brilliance Initiative is an innovative tool to support the growth of healthy and thriving communities across the country,” said Donald Hinkle-Brown, president and CEO of Reinvestment Fund. “Our goal is not for this initiative to be the sole source of support, but rather the first step in a broader, ongoing effort to advance opportunities for the students and communities HBCUs serve. We are committed to creating lasting, sustainable pathways for growth, ensuring that these communities continue to flourish beyond the Brilliance Initiative.”
As part of the company’s dedication to Alabama’s HBCUs, Alabama Power and the Alabama Power Foundation have been long-time champions of Stillman College, including offering financial support for Stillman’s childcare program for students who are parents and the college’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education and workforce initiatives.
“Alabama Power has been such an awesome partner to Stillman,” Page said, adding that Alabama Power is currently helping Stillman with a safety audit of its campus, which will converge with the infrastructure improvements funded by the HBCU Brilliance Initiative.
Those interested can learn more here about the Reinvestment Fund and the HBCU Brilliance Initiative and here about the Alabama Power Foundation.
