The George I. Alden Trust was established on August 24, 1912 for the general purpose of "the maintenance of some charitable or philanthropic enterprises" with particular expressed interest in "the promotion of education in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions.” The foundation is currently focusing their funding on the following areas:
Applicants, especially those who are new to the Trustees, are encouraged to contact the Trust by telephone, or make a visit, prior to submitting an application. It is often helpful to explore in advance the nature of the project, the need or opportunity that drives it, and the size of the intended request. The Trustees have found that such discussion generally results in a more effective submission or forestalls a proposal for which there is no likelihood of success. The Trust does not usually fund such areas as: administrative, religious, or athletic facilities; student unions; or student life programs. Application guidelines are available online at http://www.aldentrust.org/applicationguidelines.html. A successful applicant may normally apply again after three years.
The Trust supports independent colleges and universities with enrollments of 1,000 to 3,000 full time traditional undergraduates in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the six New England states (Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont). It supports YMCAs in Massachusetts and educationally related organizations in the Worcester area. In addition, it supports independent secondary schools in the immediate Worcester area.
Award amounts vary.