About CAPHE

About CAPHE • Grant Programs • Technical Assistance to Funders • Books and Reports •

In 1993, at the initiation of The Consortium for the Advancement of Private Higher Education's (CAPHE) board of directors, CAPHE was consolidated into the Council of Independent Colleges, an international association serving nearly 500 private college and university members. A dynamic and rapidly growing organization, CIC is the only national association solely devoted to providing services directly to private colleges and universities, and is a key source of ideas and assistance for an active network of colleges and college leaders.

Within CIC, CAPHE and its sponsors realize significant gains: greater cost effectiveness, more opportunities for contact with colleges and their leaders, and a broader network for identifying emerging ideas and sharing results of successful grant programs. The combined knowledge of CAPHE and CIC about the private college sector provides comprehensive understanding of issues, institutions, people, and opportunities.

It is important to note, however, that CAPHE was established as an identifiable operating unit within CIC so that critical functions of grantee selection would remain independent of an institution's membership status in CIC. Therefore, CAPHE is able to serve funders' interests by making grants to the most appropriate private colleges or universities--including nonmembers of CIC--through a rigorous review process.

CAPHE is governed by the CIC Board of Directors, whose members include college and university presidents and corporate and foundation officers. A CAPHE Advisory Panel advises CAPHE on its programs and activities.

In 1998, the CAPHE Advisory Panel was reconstituted, reflecting CAPHE's status as an operating unit of CIC. The Advisory Panel operates as a mini think-tank. The panel reviews and discusses key issues and trends confronting higher education and the potential impact on the independent sector, and provides expert counsel on the design of emerging CAPHE and CIC programs.