Announcing Madison Trust 2026
Madison Trust returns on Friday, March 13, 2026.
As a panelist, you’ll step into the boardroom as both philanthropist and decision-maker – evaluating bold faculty and staff pitches that shape JMU’s future.
Madison Trust: Where Innovation Ignites
At JMU, imagination and innovation often race ahead of resources. That’s where Madison Trust comes in. Madison Trust secures seed funding from donors to launch new programs, conduct research and develop creative solutions to local, regional, national and global challenges.
Each year, 10 selected faculty and staff finalists pitch their boldest ideas to a panel of JMU donors who serve as both philanthropists and decision-makers. Panelists ask thoughtful questions, influence the ventures and pledge funds to the most groundbreaking ideas. Their philanthropy results in a collective six-figure gift supporting innovation each year.
Since 2020, every project pitched at Madison Trust has received support — proof that when JMU donors and innovators come together, ideas ignite into impact. Since the inaugural event in November 2014, donors have given more than $1.2 million to bring more than 100 faculty and staff projects to life, and those numbers continue to grow each year.
Madison Trust is an initiative of Philanthropy and Engagement, managed by the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations in collaboration with partners across campus, and it embodies the JMU spirit of collaboration, creativity and community.
IN THE NEWS
Philanthropic-investors pledge more than $118K for innovations
August 26, 2025 — All 10 projects representing the year’s best JMU faculty- and staff-led innovations received some level of seed funding... Read more
JMU ArtsMobile to Mark a New Era of Creative Engagement in the Shenandoah Valley
May 2, 2024 — Day of the Arts Celebration Showcases Interactive Art, Music, and Theatre Experience for All ... Read more
Graduate student leads environmental change in Kosovo
February 14, 2024 — Marigona Gashi, an international graduate student from Kosovo, took a recycling initiative in her home country, engaging schools, fostering environmental awareness ... Read more
Pantry at JMU expanding capacity, variety to serve more students
January 29, 2024 — Food insecurity can impact anyone, and staff at James Madison University are working to fight hunger among college students ... Read more
Strength on and off the court
December 15, 2023 — Professor alumna incorporates disability sport in kinesiology curriculum... Read more
Building accessible community in the lab
September 5, 2023 — Using competitive funding from the Madison Trust and Research and Scholarship, the James Madison University Center for STEM Education and Outreach ... Read more
JMU Opens New Resource Center For Military Community
August 31, 2023 — James Madison University launched its JMU VALOR Resource Center, a new home for military-connect community members ... Read more
