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SD 850

An Act to modernize the endowment match program for community colleges

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford

SD 850: An Act to Modernize the Endowment Match Program for Community Colleges OverviewBill Number: SD 850 Title: An Act to modernize the endowment match program for community col

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Bill Summary · SD 850

SD 850: An Act to Modernize the Endowment Match Program for Community Colleges

Overview

Bill Number: SD 850
Title: An Act to modernize the endowment match program for community colleges
Status: Introduced
Introduced: November 29, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this bill is to update and expand the existing endowment match program for community colleges in the state. The program aims to incentivize private donations and investment in community college endowments, which provide a stable source of funding for critical educational programs and services. By modernizing the program, the legislature seeks to make it more attractive and accessible for donors, ultimately strengthening the financial foundations of the state's community college system.

Key Provisions

  • Increases the state's endowment match rate from 50% to 75% for all new private donations of $25,000 or more
  • Expands eligibility to include all 15 community colleges in the state, up from the current 10 colleges
  • Allows community colleges to use endowment funds for a wider range of expenses, including student scholarships, facility upgrades, and faculty development
  • Streamlines the application and reporting process for community colleges to access matching funds
  • Establishes a new online portal to facilitate donations and provide transparency on the program's impact

Affected Parties and Impacts

This bill directly benefits the state's 15 community colleges by providing them with greater access to private philanthropic support through the enhanced endowment match program. Students, faculty, and staff at these institutions stand to gain from the increased funding for scholarships, facilities, and professional development.

The bill also aims to incentivize private donors, including individuals, businesses, and foundations, to contribute to community college endowments, knowing their donations will be amplified by the state's matching funds. This could lead to a significant increase in endowment growth and financial stability for the colleges.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

SD 850 was introduced in the state legislature on November 29, 2025 and has been referred to the Senate Education Committee for initial consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill will move to the full Senate for debate and a vote. Assuming the bill clears the Senate, it will then proceed to the House of Representatives for further review and approval before being sent to the governor for signature.

The legislature is aiming to have the modernized endowment match program in place by the start of the 2026-2027 academic year, providing community colleges with access to the enhanced matching funds as soon as possible.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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