Independent Colleges of Washington is an association of 10 private, nonprofit colleges in the state. ICW's member institutions share a commitment to high-quality, academically rigorous learning and to an education that emphasizes critical thinking, lifelong learning, ethics, leadership, and community service.

ICW's mission is to expand opportunity and choice for students by promoting the value and vitality of high-quality, academically rigorous independent higher education, and by broadening access through enhanced student aid.

ICW was founded in 1953 by college presidents and Washington business leaders. The association is governed by a volunteer board of college presidents and business and community leaders. Our six-person staff is based in Seattle.

ICW is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization in Washington. All contributions are tax deductible in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.

The operating budget, based on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year, is funded by dues from member institutions and adopted annually by the full board. A major goal is to minimize the cost of fundraising. 100% of donations are distributed to the member colleges.

Affiliations
ICW is one of 34 state and regional associations affiliated with the Foundation for Independent Higher Education (FIHE), a national organization dedicated to broadening financial support for and understanding of independent education and its contributions to the nation. ICW is also one of 38 members of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities State Executives (NAICUSE) which is affiliated with the 1,000 member National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the unified national voice of independent higher education. NAICU represents private colleges and universities on policy issues with the federal government, including those affecting student aid, taxation, and government regulation.