Middlebury Launches $20 Million Financial Aid Challenge to Enhance Access

Middlebury has launched a financial aid challenge to raise $20 million for endowments to sustain its commitment to making Middlebury affordable for all admitted students.

Thanks to the generosity of three alumni from the classes of 1983, 1988, and 1990, Middlebury will match gifts to establish new financial aid funds up to $1 million per fund through the Endow the Future Challenge. A total of $10 million is available to match gifts from donors establishing their first endowed scholarship funds.

“Financial aid is what makes Middlebury accessible to talented students from every background,” said Dan Courcey, vice president for Advancement. “When we admit a student, we make a commitment to meet that student’s financial need. Endowed scholarships help us to keep that promise.”

The challenge is part of Middlebury’s larger $600 million fundraising effort, For Every Future: the Campaign for Middlebury. Supporting access to a Middlebury education is the top priority in the campaign, and Middlebury has raised $158 million toward supporting access since the start of the campaign in July 2023.

Donors who make a minimum commitment of $125,000 over five years (or fewer) to establish a new scholarship endowment qualify for the match. Starting last fall, gifts to scholarship funds established by classes without an existing class scholarship also became eligible.

Currently, nearly half of Middlebury students rely on financial aid. The average grant exceeds $60,000 annually.

“The need for financial aid has never been greater on a national level,” said Interim President Steve Snyder. “This initiative is a way for donors to have a lasting impact on the people of this institution by supporting the students who need financial assistance to attend Middlebury.” 

The endowment provides a permanent source of support for students, faculty, and programs. While some gifts meet immediate needs, endowed funds grow over time through investment and continued giving, ensuring their sustainability into the future.

“Our challenge donors are passionate about building a stronger foundation for Middlebury,” Courcey said. “They want to inspire others to contribute, and we’re deeply grateful for their vision and leadership.”

Since the challenge launched in October, donors have committed $2.3 million, creating 13 new funds. Matching funds will be applied once all pledge payments have been fulfilled. An additional 27 proposals for new funds are currently under consideration.