George I. Alden Trust: Vocational & Secondary Schools Grant

George I. Alden Trust: Vocational & Secondary Schools Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: George I Alden Trust
Last Updated: March 29, 2026

Summary

The George I. Alden Trust, established in 1912, focuses on promoting education in vocational and independent secondary schools primarily located in Worcester. With a commitment to evolving community needs, the Trust provides capital support through outright and challenge grants. It seeks to enhance philanthropic engagement and educational opportunities, particularly in industrial and vocational sectors, following Alden's vision to benefit the greatest number of individuals in the community.

Overview

NOTE: One complete, hard copy proposal for the March, June, September, or December meetings must be received by the fifteenth of the month prior to the next quarterly meeting (e.g., February 15 for the March meeting). About George Alden established the George I. Alden Trust on August 24, 1912, for the general purpose of ‘the maintenance of some charitable or philanthropic enterprises’ with specific interest in ‘the promotion of education in schools, colleges, or other educational institutions.’ He had a particular interest in Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), vocational education in Worcester, and the work of YMCAs. Given the perpetual character of the Trust and the certainty that needs and priorities change over time, the Trust further provides that ‘Trustees shall have the widest discretion in their interpretation of the purposes of this Trust...’ The current Trustees continue the Trust’s historical grantmaking focus in five primary areas and in pursuit of Alden’s desire ‘to do the greatest good for the greatest number.’ Vocational & Secondary Schools Grant Grant Focus Throughout his life, George Alden evidenced a keen interest in industrial, vocational, and professional education. He studied innovations in this country and abroad and gave of his time to serve on school boards in his community of Worcester. The Trustees focus their grantmaking on the capital needs of vocational and independent secondary schools in the immediate Worcester area. The Trustees primarily make outright grants, but will issue challenge grants with the goal of helping an institution generate increased and broader philanthropic support from its constituencies.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Trust supports vocational and independent secondary schools in the immediate Worcester area.The Trust policy is not to consider grant requests more frequently than three years from the date of the last grant or one year from the date of the last payment, whichever is later. An institution whose proposal has been rejected may normally be eligible to apply again after one year.

Ineligibility

The Trust does not accept proposals from start-up organizations, public schools, or charter schools.The Trust cannot support individuals.