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
Madison Trust 2026: where bold ideas come to life
April 17, 2026 — The annual event continued a decade-long tradition of turning innovation into action ... Read more
A Permanent Spark for Madison Trust
January 24, 2026 — Benefactor Edward Rice doubles the endowment for faculty innovation program ... Read more
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<
