An individual recipient INDEPENDENT, known as an individual recipient Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU), is a public charity based in Raleigh, an individual recipient Formed in 1969, it supports, represents, and advocates for independent higher education in the state. Its work includes policy advocacy, research and information, staff development, and programs serving students and member colleges.
Key facts about North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
In short: North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc gave $1.1M across 35 grants in 2025 (avg $31K), mostly in North Carolina. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 56-0775353
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,071,136
- Grants made (2025)
- 35
- Average grant
- $30,604
- Median grant
- $21,576
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 35, 2025)
- Total assets
- $3,402,109
- Primary geography
- North Carolina (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$3.4M
-7.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
+19.1% YoY
Grant Count
35
-2.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$31K
+22.5% YoY
Is North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 35 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. How we count
- 100% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+15%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
NCICU’s mission is “to support, represent and advocate for an individual recipient independent higher education.” Its stated activities include representing independent higher education on state and federal public policy and education issues, providing research and information about private colleges and universities, and offering staff development. Its 2024 filing also describes administration of NC LIVE virtual libraries for independent colleges and universities and bus tours of private colleges for prospective students.
The organization’s website says ICFNC provides scholarship aid and enrichment programs. In 2025, its largest reported grants went to colleges and universities for scholarship funds. Those recipient institutions describe a range of missions: for example, Mars Hill University emphasizes liberal arts study, character development, service, and responsible citizenship; Guilford College describes an inclusive liberal arts education guided by Quaker testimonies; and Warren Wilson College describes integrating academics, work, and community engagement.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, an individual recipient INDEPENDENT reported 35 grants totaling $1,071,136. Grants ranged from $3,500 to $117,313, with a median of $21,576. All reported grant dollars went to recipients in an individual recipient
The largest awards included $117,313 to Mars Hill University, $105,722 to High Point University, $103,213 to Montreat College, $77,086 to Warren Wilson College, and $67,112 to Lees-McRae College. Each was listed for scholarship funds. Other large recipients included Guilford College ($55,914), Brevard College ($42,191), and Gardner-Webb University ($37,160).
NCICU’s website describes scholarships with criteria that vary by program. Examples include awards for full-time undergraduates who demonstrate financial need, first-generation students, or students from underrepresented populations; another listed scholarship is merit-based and gives priority to incoming freshmen. The website says NCICU does not award scholarships directly to individuals: students interested in designated scholarships should contact the financial aid office at their NCICU institution. It also notes that student selection forms are completed by financial aid personnel, not students.
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
Burlington Industries Foundation Scholarship
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Dominion NC Power Scholarship
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Faculty-Student STEM Mentoring Scholarship
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Reported 2025 grant dollars went entirely to an individual recipient recipients. NCICU describes its member institutions as independent colleges and universities across the state, enrolling students from all 100 an individual recipient counties as well as elsewhere.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $608K (2019) to $1.1M (2023). In 2025 it made 35 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Mars Hill University ($117K). Together the top 10 received $668K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($28,557), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
178 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 165 grants of 178 (93%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Mars Hill University Mars Hill, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $117,313 |
| High Point University High Point, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $105,722 |
| Montreat College Montreat, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $103,213 |
| Warren Wilson College Asheville, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $77,086 |
| Lees-McRae College Banner Elk, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $67,112 |
| Guilford College Greensboro, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $55,914 |
| Brevard College Brevard, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $42,191 |
| Gardner-Webb University Boiling Springs, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $37,160 |
| Campbell University Buies Creek, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $33,967 |
| Lenoir-Rhyne University Hickory, NC | Provide Scholarship Funds | $28,757 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,402,109 | $4,422,707 | $4,608,638 | $1,071,136 |
| 2024 | $3,661,082 | $3,959,857 | $4,070,066 | $899,364 |
| 2023 | $3,947,047 | $3,763,098 | $3,966,303 | $1,125,059 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,402,109 | $3,661,082 | $3,947,047 |
| Revenue | $4,422,707 | $3,959,857 | $3,763,098 |
| Expenses | $4,608,638 | $4,070,066 | $3,966,303 |
| Net Investment Income | $104,383 | $142,487 | $-95,811 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 13, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 8, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 10, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Paulette Dillard as chair, Nido R. Qubein as treasurer, and Lawrence D. Czar da as secretary. It also lists Anthony J. Davis, Douglas Searcy, William Thierfelder, Suzanne Walsh, Bradley J. Andrews, Katherine Propst, and Rosemary M. Thomas as board members.
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc is led by A. Hope Williams, President on every filing since 2019; 2 of 38 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
A. Hope Williams
President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$307K (2019) → $401K (2025)
Paulette Dillard
Chair
Board Member → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Thomas R. West
Vice President for Government Relation
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$185K (2019) → $202K (2025)
Constance Ledoux Book
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas Searcy
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Frederick K. Whitt
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary M. Brown
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Herbert L. King Jr.
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
J. Bradley Creed
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John Anthony Floyd
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lawrence D. Czarda
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lynn M. Morton
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nido R. Qubein
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paul Maurer
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rhett Brown
Vice President
Board Member → Secretary, 2022
Secretary → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stanley T. Wearden
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Vincent Price
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Thierfelder
Board Member
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Daniel G. Lugo
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Nelson
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Edward Croom
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Evan Duff
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott Bullard
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne Walsh
Board Member
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bradley J. Andrews
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Summer Johnson McGee
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Susan R. Wente
Board Member
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anthony J. Davis
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Damian J. Fernandez
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas Hicks
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tarun Malik
Board Member
On filings since 2023
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marcus Burgess
Board Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Valerie Kinloch
Board Member
On filings since 2024
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aimee Sapp
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jean Parvin Bordewich
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Propst
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nate Evans
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rosemary M. Thomas
Board Member
New on the 2025 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (30)
- Former: Brian C. Ralph (2019–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Jo Allen (2019–2024) — Chair
- Former: Cam Cruickshank (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: William M. Downs (2021–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Kyle Farmby (2022–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Charles Taylor (2023–2024) — Board Member
- Former: Clarence D. Armbrister (2019–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Christine Johnson McPhail (2021–2023) — Board Member
- Former: Carol Quillen (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jimmy R. Jenkins Sr. (2019–2022) — Vice Chair
- Former: Kirk E. Peterson (2019–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Ellen Bernhardt (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Tony Floyd (2021–2022) — Board Member
- Former: William H. Christy (2022) — Board Member
- Former: David C. Joyce (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Nathan O. Hatch (2019–2021) — Chair
- Former: James Hood (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Susan Henking (2021) — Board Member
- Former: Ben Leslie (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Brien Lewis (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Colleen Perry Keith (2019) — Board Member
- Former: David L. Poole (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Dewey G. Clark (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Dianne O. Synder (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Gaddis Faulcon (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Jane K. Fernandes (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Pamela L. Davies (2019) — Vice Chair
- Former: Paul Baldasare Jr. (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Phyllis W. Dawkins (2019) — Board Member
- Former: Sandra J. Doran (2019) — Board Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $401K, to A Hope Williams (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 530 N Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: (919) 832-5817
Website: https://ncicu.org
Frequently asked questions about North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc
How much does North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc give each year?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc gave $1.1M across 35 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $899K across 36 grants.
What is North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's typical grant size?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's median grant in 2025 was $21,576, and its average grant was $30,604, across 35 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc give grants?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc gives mostly in North Carolina: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Raleigh, NC (4 grants), Greensboro, NC (3 grants), Salisbury, NC (2 grants) and Charlotte, NC (2 grants).
Does North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 35 grants with a stated purpose on North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Provide Scholarship Funds" (35 grants).
Who are North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's largest grantees?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Mars Hill University ($117,313), High Point University ($105,722) and Montreat College ($103,213), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($28,557), which are not listed by name. Together they received 30% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc reported $3.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.4M.
What does North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc fund?
NCICU’s mission is “to support, represent and advocate for an individual recipient independent higher education.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check ncicu.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's EIN?
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-0775353. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc by hand.
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