Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust Grant supports organizations that enhance public school education and improve community quality of life, particularly in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah. Established in 2004 by the Duncan family, this grant prioritizes education, human services, and aviation-related initiatives. With over $1 million contributed annually, the trust is now investing in an endowment plan to ensure sustainable support for impactful donations in the future, while also addressing immediate community needs.

NOTE: Members of the Duncan Aviation Family Trust Philanthropy Committee will review your request at their next quarterly meeting. The committee typically meets quarterly. Whether your organization receives grant approval or not, you will be notified of this decision in a timely manner.
Mission & Values
The mission of the Duncan Aviation Family Trust is to enhance the quality of public school education (Pre-K thru 12), meet the basic needs of people in our communities, and increase awareness and interest in the aviation industry in Lincoln, Nebraska, Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah.
The Duncan Aviation Family Trust is based on many of the same values that Donald Duncan instilled in Duncan Aviation when it was established in 1956. Chairman Todd Duncan carries on those values today, which include: honesty, integrity, loyalty, and trust, as well as a commitment to focusing on solutions rather than problems and leading through action.
Priority Areas
Following is a brief description of the organizations that fit into each category:
Education – an organization whose mission supports public schools, pre-k thru 12.Human Services & Community – an organization that serves people and a mission to create an overall improvement in the quality of life of community members.Aviation & STEM – an organization associated with the promotion of aviation-related careers and STEM activities.
Supporting Communities through Endowment
Duncan Aviation believes in supporting the communities that its team members call home. Over the last few years, the Duncan Aviation Family Trust has contributed more than $1 million annually to a variety of charitable causes that fall into its mission of education, human services/community, and aviation/STEM. In 2023, the decision was made for the next several years to invest half of the trust’s annual designated charitable funds into an endowment plan. While developing sustainable endowment funding will allow for more impactful donations in the future, doing so temporarily decreases the funds available for immediate annual giving. As a result, some organizations that we have worked with for years will see a decrease in readily available donations.

Eligibility

Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located within our local communities. The trust shall distribute funds with priority given to the three areas of focus:EducationHuman Services & CommunityAviation & STEMOrganizations may apply for or receive funds only one time per year.

Ineligibility

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust does NOT provide funds for the public promotion of organizations, individuals, churches, or religious causes.We also do not financially support post-proms, school clubs, and athletic teams.