Connie Cochran Wins Inaugural HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative for ‘I Love My HBCU Day of Giving’
Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation Program Launches New Era of Innovation at the HBCU Philanthropy Symposium
The Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation (PDFF) proudly announced Connie Cochran, Executive Director of the newly incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit I Love My HBCU Day of Giving, as the winner of the inaugural HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative. Cochran’s groundbreaking idea—a nationwide annual day of giving dedicated to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—earned her a $10,000 grant to advance the project towards its national launch in 2025.
The HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative, an extension of PDFF’s Reinventing Delaware program, debuted at the 13th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium last year. Supported by a $100,000 grant from Bank of America, with additional support from Barclays, Strada Education Network, the Laffey McHugh Foundation, and Delmarva Power, an Exelon Company, this initiative engages HBCU stakeholders, administrators, and thought leaders in a roundtable pitch competition to develop innovative solutions for challenges within the HBCU community. Four finalists were selected to refine their ideas through an intensive process involving local experts in marketing, business planning, and research.
Cochran’s vision, I Love My HBCU Day of Giving, aims to galvanize support for HBCUs across the country by creating a unified day for alumni, students, faculty, and supporters to contribute to these vital institutions. The project’s successful pilot at Texas Southern University earlier this year sets the stage for its national rollout.
Reflecting on her win, Cochran said, “This has been a dream come true. The idea of a collective HBCU Day of Giving holds the potential to transform how we support HBCUs, showcasing their collective impact on education, community development, and social justice. Winning this competition allows me to bring this vision to life and create a lasting impact on HBCUs nationwide.”
Sparks of Innovation at the 14th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium
This year, the 14th Annual HBCU Philanthropy Symposium reignited the innovation process. Hosted annually by DSU, the event drew leaders from across the HBCU landscape to participate in thought-provoking panels, presentations, and networking sessions. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, this year’s symposium launched a new pitch competition, attracting nearly 100 fresh ideas aimed at addressing critical issues faced by HBCUs.
“We are proud to continue the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative,” said Stephanie Johnnie, Executive Director of the Pete du Pont Freedom Foundation. “The creativity and ingenuity within HBCU communities are incredible, and initiatives like this shine a spotlight on the brilliance of HBCU students, faculty, and alumni. Connie Cochran’s project exemplifies the power of collective action, and we look forward to seeing how her I Love My HBCU Day of Giving transforms the HBCU landscape.”
As part of the initiative’s continued growth, PDFF will soon select the next cohort of finalists from this year’s symposium, propelling more innovative ideas forward.
Support Innovation in HBCU Communities
PDFF invites the public to contribute to the ongoing success of the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative. Tax-deductible donations can be made to support the program or any of the dynamic finalists working to shape the future of HBCUs. Your contribution helps bring transformative ideas like Cochran’s I Love My HBCU Day of Giving to life, ensuring these institutions continue to thrive and make a lasting impact on society.
For more information on the HBCU Innovative Solutions Initiative or to make a donation, please visit petedupontfreedomfoundation.org/hbcu-2024.