[George I. Alden Trust](https://www.aldentrust.org)

May 15, 2026 | August 15, 2026 | November 15, 2026 | February 15, 2027

Typical first-time awards up to $100,000; total annual giving in 2022 was $11,188,000; grants generally support capital projects.

Supports capital projects and program enhancements at eligible higher education institutions to advance academic excellence and improve facilities.

Hard copy proposals only; not accepting electronic submissions.

--- ## Description The George I. Alden Trust provides funding to independent colleges and universities for capital projects that enhance academic offerings, facilities, and institutional capacity. The Trust prioritizes projects that directly benefit undergraduate education, such as the construction or renovation of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and learning centers, as well as the purchase of equipment and furnishings for these spaces. The goal is to foster academic excellence, innovation, and student development through targeted institutional improvements. --- ## Due Dates - May 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (for June distribution meeting) - August 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (for September distribution meeting) - November 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (for December distribution meeting) - February 15, 2027: Full application submission deadline (for March distribution meeting) All proposals must be received in hard copy by the stated deadline for consideration at the corresponding quarterly Trustees’ meeting. --- ## Funding Amount - First-time applicants (colleges/universities): Up to $100,000 per award is typical. - Total annual giving (2022): $11,188,000. - Grants are generally for outright capital support; challenge grants may occasionally be awarded (typically 1:3 matching, to be met within 18 months). - Multi-year grants are not ordinarily made. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Institutions:** - Independent colleges and universities in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and the six New England states. - Must have a full-time traditional undergraduate enrollment (headcount) of at least 1,000 students. - Total undergraduate and graduate student population (full-time equivalent) must not exceed 5,000. - Some grandfathered institutions inside and outside the nine-state region may be eligible. - **Project Types:** Capital projects that directly impact undergraduate academic offerings, including: - Construction/renovation of academic buildings, classrooms, labs, libraries, learning centers, and auditoriums. - Purchase of equipment and furnishings for academic settings. - **Other Restrictions:** - The Trust supports only tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations. - Not open to individuals. - Institutions may apply no more frequently than three years after the last grant or one year after the last payment (whichever is later). - If a proposal is rejected, the institution may reapply after one year. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Hard copy only (no electronic proposals accepted). - **Requirements:** - Cover letter signed by the institution's president, stating the requested amount. - Contact person’s name, phone, and email. - Confirmation of eligibility (enrollment numbers). - Narrative proposal describing project purpose, institutional capacity, and anticipated impact. - Project revenue/expense budget and implementation timetable. - Fundraising goals and progress. - Mission statement and summary of current strategic priorities. - Data tables showing three-year trends in enrollment, student demographics, financials, and fundraising. - Attachments: Recent operating budgets, audited financial statements (two most recent years), trustee list, tax-exempt status evidence. - **Mailing Address:** - George I. Alden Trust 100 Front Street, 5th Floor Worcester, MA 01608 - **Review:** Proposals are reviewed quarterly; applicants are typically notified by the end of the month of the meeting. - **Consultation:** First-time applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust before applying. --- ## Additional Information - Outright grants are the norm, but challenge grants may be issued to stimulate further fundraising. - The Trust does not use common proposal forms. - No interim or partial payments for challenge grants; full match must be met before payment. - Site visits may be conducted as part of the review process. --- ## External Links - [Application Guidelines](https://www.aldentrust.org/application-guidelines.html) - [Higher Education Program Details](https://www.aldentrust.org/higher-education.html) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.aldentrust.org/faq.html) - [Contact the Trust](https://www.aldentrust.org/contact-us.html) - [Recent Grants & Pledges](https://www.aldentrust.org/2024-grants-pledges.html) --- ## Contact Information | Method | Details | |------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | Mail | George I. Alden Trust, 100 Front Street, 5th Floor, Worcester, MA 01608 | | Phone | (508) 459-8005 | | Fax | (508) 459-8305 | | Email | trustees@aldentrust.org | | Web | [Contact Us](https://www.aldentrust.org/contact-us.html) |

Higher Education

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