With over half of jobs now requiring a postsecondary credential, college completion has never been more important. Yet it remains elusive for too many students -- especially students from low-income backgrounds, students of color and first-generation students. For 50 years, Great Lakes has focused on helping traditionally underserved students who have the most to gain from a college education -- yet often have the least support in getting there -- make their way to and through college. Our 2015 report highlights the three distinct and purposeful funding approaches we use in pursuit of this goal and details several grants we made over the past year.

Great Lakes 2014 philanthropy report details a $28.6 million commitment in grant funding over the past year to close the college completion gap faced by students of color, low-income students and first-generation students. The report highlights a variety of grants made to colleges, universities, community-based organizations and research initiatives that demonstrate promising approaches to getting more students to and through college. Great Lakes aims to learn which ideas will help the most students achieve the greatest results.

Great Lakes 2013-2014 philanthropy report details record $21 million in commitments. This past year Great Lakes dramatically increased its funding to help more students from low-income households, students of color, and students who are the first in their families attend and complete college. For the 2013-2014 academic year our commitments total $21 million, and are in excess of $100 million since 2006. This report tells more about our approach to philanthropy and the work we do to move more students toward college completion.

Contains message from the board chair and the president, grant guidelines, grants list, donor information, funds list, donors list, grantee and donor profiles, financial statements, and lists of board members, advisors, and staff.

Contains list of grants, funds and individual contributions; financial statements; and stories of individuals working to improve their communities.