JBU receives $1.5 million challenge grant from Mabee Foundation

John Brown University was awarded a $1.5 million challenge grant by the Mabee Foundation, with funds supporting the construction of its new health education building and nursing endowment, the renovation of the Walton Lifetime Health Complex (WLHC) and the JBU Scholarship Fund.

The three fundraising projects are part of JBU’s $125 million campaign dubbed “Next Century” to be completed on the university’s centennial in 2019. To date, the private college has received nearly $67 million in gifts and pledges toward the campaign goal.

“The Mabee Foundation has been a friend and partner of excellence in Christian higher education at JBU for decades,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president. “We are deeply grateful for this challenge grant, which will inspire others to participate in our mission to empower students to honor God and serve others.”

In order for JBU to receive the challenge grant, the university must raise the remaining funds needed to complete the projects by the end of the fiscal year. JBU has received $7.8 million of the $12 million goal for the nursing project, and $2.2 million of the $5 million goal for the Walton Lifetime Health Complex Renovation. Additionally, the challenge grant requires $500,000 of funding for the JBU Scholarship Fund.

“The Mabee challenge grant will help energize our generous donors to complete the funding of these important projects,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “We are thankful for the foundation’s role in the success of the Campaign for the Next Century to date.”