History of the FICF

Independent higher education in Florida dates back to the 1800s. Before the dawn of the last century, several private institutions were operating in Florida, including Edward Waters College (1866), Florida Memorial College (1879), Florida Southern College (1855), Rollins College (1885), Saint Leo University (1889), and Stetson University (1883).

In 1956, the presidents of four independent colleges in Florida gathered to determine if a collaborative organization could help further the cause of independent higher education in Florida.  Out of this meeting, the FICF was born.  The four charter members were Barry College of Miami, Florida Southern College of Lakeland, Rollins College of Winter Park, and John B. Stetson University of Deland. The primary focus was to raise funds to assist the member schools in meeting the financial needs of students wanting to attend those institutions.   The founding officers of the FICF were Hugh F. McKean, President, (Rollins College), Dr. J. Ollie Edmunds, Vice President (Stetson University), Dr. Ludd M. Spivey, Secretary (Florida Southern College), and Sister Mary Edmund, Treasurer, (Barry College).   The first year of solicitations was 1959, in which the Fund raised approximately $20,000 for its members. 

As Florida has grown, the independent colleges and universities have expanded to meet the demand for a highly educated, high-qualified workforce.   All of our members are SACS accredited, private, not-for-profit 4-year colleges and universities chartered in the state of Florida.  They are a diverse group offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as professional and continuing education.  They serve more than 130,000 students at 144 sites around Florida. They offer bachelor degree opportunities on 18 community college campuses and an additional 20 satellite campus sites. Their enrollments vary from less than 100 to more than 22,000 students. Their average class has 19 students.

Today, the FICF is comprised of 28 member colleges and universities and has awarded over $7 million in the last five years.  In addition to its fundraising efforts, the Fund continues to provide services to its member institutions that bring new tools, technical aid and promising opportunities to advancement, financial aid, admissions, career placement, and alumni relations directors.