Butler Day of Giving 2026

Founder’s College at Butler University, created in partnership with the Come to Believe (CTB) Network, opened in August 2025, offering high-ability, low-wealth students in Indianapolis the opportunity to earn a Butler University associate degree and professional credentials with little to no debt. Named in tribute to the University’s abolitionist founder Ovid Butler, Founder’s College is fully integrated with the broader University with its own dedicated faculty and staff to provide high-touch support to students enrolled in the program. The College’s curriculum is rigorous and equivalent to the core requirements of Butler’s other six Colleges. In alignment with the CTB model, Founder’s College additionally provides early intervention services, anticipatory advising, and class schedules that accommodate students with work or other obligations. 

Founder’s College students choose from one of four majors, each of which aligns with high-wage, high-demand careers: Business Data Analytics, Business Management Studies, Youth & Community Advocacy, or Healthcare Studies (Administration or Clinical Track). The Founder’s College programs have been developed with curricular alignment to several four-year majors, providing a seamless transition for students who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree either at Butler or at another four-year institution.

Featured Challenges

Founder's College Matching Challenge
Dr. Rafik Bishara '70 and Pat Bishara are challenging the Founder's College family to come together! They have generously pledged to match DOUBLE the amount of each gift toward the Founder's College Dean's Priority Needs Fund, up to $20,000. The Founder's College Dean's Priority Needs Fund supports students by enabling the Dean to address the college's most pressing needs.  

Founder's College Unlocking Challenge
If Founder's College receives 50 gifts on Day of Giving, $10,000 will be unlocked towards the Founder's College Dean's Priority Needs Fund, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. The Founder's College Dean's Priority Needs Fund supports students by enabling the Dean to address the college's most pressing needs.