The Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE) is the national office for a network of state-based private college fundraising associations in the United States. It was founded in 1958 as The Independent College Funds of America. In 2010 it merged into the Council of Independent Colleges. FIHE was created to support the work of the regional fundraising consortia to secure additional financial resources in support of America's independent colleges and universities and their students. FIHE today supports 32 state consortia through member services programs, professional development workshops, collaborative initiatives, and grant programs made possible by gifts from corporations as well as from its own endowment. Based in Washington, DC, FIHE has provided nearly $100 million in grants to and through its member state consortia, and has had a tangible impact on the growth and development of the private college sector in America. National impact For over 50 years, FIHE's efforts have been focused on: Securing philanthropic support for private colleges and universities, primarily from the corporate sector; Developing collaborative programs of mutual interest to donors and institutions in the private college sector; Celebrating the unique characteristics and contributions to our nation of our private colleges and universities; Strategically linking the corporate and philanthropic objectives of business and industry with the strengths and opportunities provided by a national network of 32 state funds and their nearly 600 member colleges and universities. Including all state-generated support, direct FIHE grants and its challenge grant components, more than $1.6 billion has been secured for the private college sector for such purposes as budget support, scholarship programs, faculty development, the enhancement of science and mathematics education (see STEM fields), career services program, curriculum development, and minority student educational achievement. Programs Among FIHE's current signature programs are: National Venture Fund grants, supporting states in innovative collaborative projects benefitting their private colleges; FIHE/UPS Scholarship Program, providing over $1.5 million a year in scholarship support for private college students with demonstrated need and academic promise. First Opportunity Partners program, enhancing private college access and opportunity for low-income, minority, first generation, and new American students. Its three-fold purpose is to broaden the accessibility to higher education, to strengthen student retention and academic experiences, and to prepare students for the future world of work. State Fund Members To help strengthen the nation's private college sector, FIHE works through, and provides financial support for, state-based associations of private colleges and universities.