On April 21, active grant directors, Trustees, and some of our University partners met at Darden for the second annual Jefferson Trust Summit. The purpose was to provide additional resources to grantees and members of the University community. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents were able to engage and discuss the great work across Grounds.
In addition to multiple networking and brainstorming opportunities, structured events included panel discussions on making a pitch and promoting a project, as well as a resource fair. The resource fair was new for this year and gave grantees an opportunity to learn more about pan-University resources, such as the Licensing & Ventures Group, or external organizations, such as local media outlets.
“We are always looking to support our grantees and other members of the University community in any way we can,” noted Brent Percival, the Trust’s executive director. “The Summit is a way the Trust can add value beyond grantmaking alone, and I’m thrilled we could include other University and external partners this year”.
He went on to say, “we see the Trust as connecting inspired ideas with dedicated donors, and the more opportunities we have to do that, the better”.
The Trust will continue to look at new ways to bring people together, and if you have any ideas, please send us your thoughts, jeffersontrust@virginia.edu.