a subscription to excellence

Contributions, or “subscriptions” (the term Jefferson used in soliciting initial private support for the University), are being sought at a high threshold, similar to Jefferson Scholars Foundation scholarships and Graduate Fellowships. Donors may name the subscription as in the “Smith Jefferson Trust Subscription”. Subscriptions are initially sought at a minimum level of $100,000, payable over a period of up to five years. Subscribers will be offered the opportunity to serve an initial term of three years as trustees. Later, these levels may be increased. We will seek unrestricted contributions empowering the trustees to direct the money where they deem the need to be greatest at any given point in time. Subscriptions of $250,000 or more may be broadly earmarked by donors for areas of need the trustees deem to be consistent with the trust’s mission. Potential subscribers will be given assurance that the trustees will adhere to the criteria listed below in their decision-making.

Generally speaking, grants of The Jefferson Trust will support scholarship, teaching, research, physical plant, and the institutional character of the university.