CHALLENGE GRANT
ENDOWMENT FUND

During the month of August 2025, The Rudder Association achieved a financial milestone, with the receipt of a donation supporting its first permanent endowment fund. This generous gift from a former student, who chose anonymity, represents a huge step forward for perpetual financial support of the operations of the Rudder Association. The fund is structured as a challenge grant, with the first $25,000 of donations being matched 1 for 1 by the donor, resulting in a $50,000 endowment. This generous Aggie has left the door open to making further challenge grants after we raise the first $25,000. This challenge grant will remain open until match. No gift is too small. Any amount over and above your dues renewal will count, as will any gifts specially designated for this endowment.

This effort was two years in the making as talks developed and details were outlined. Each year, TRA will allocate 4% from the total investment return of the endowment fund. This distribution will fund TRA efforts, such as Leaders and Legends, scholarships, assisting student organizations, and the annual spring meeting. The remaining investment return will be reinvested for growth of the endowment.  Long term, this endowment will make TRA less dependent on fundraising. If you are interested in supporting this challenge grant or have further questions about long term financial support of TRA, please contact Mark Browning ’88 at admin@rudderassociation.org