Creating a Lasting Legacy
The W.L. Gilbert Trust's endowment offers a meaningful way to honor loved ones and create lasting impact through memorial scholarships and named funds. These gifts become part of the permanent endowment of The W.L. Gilbert Trust Corporation, generating continued support for the Gilbert Community for generations to come.
A Tradition of Generosity
The first scholarship was created in the early 1900s, and today The W.L. Gilbert Trust scholarship and fund program has grown to over 100 endowed and annual funds. Students are recognized for academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, as well as citizenship, character, sportsmanship, and integrity.
Because of the generosity of Gilbert School supporters, over the past five years, the Trust has awarded over $700,000 to Gilbert students.
Recent Scholarship Impact
This year alone, endowed scholarships and funds have:
- Enabled over 40 students to pursue higher education who might not otherwise have had the opportunity
- Recognized outstanding achievement in fields ranging from STEM to athletics and the arts
- Supported students demonstrating exceptional character and community service
- Honored the memories of beloved community members while investing in tomorrow's leaders
How Endowed Funds Work
When you establish an endowed fund, your gift is invested and a portion of the earnings is distributed annually. This means your contribution continues to support students year after year, in perpetuity.
You can create a fund for:
- Unrestricted purposes, allowing the school to direct support where it's needed most
- A specific program area (athletics, arts, STEM, etc.)
- Department-specific support (music, technology, library, etc.)
- A scholarship to help defray the cost of higher education
You can name your endowed scholarship or fund:
- After yourself or your family
- In honor of a parent, spouse, child, or other loved one
- In memory of someone whose legacy you wish to preserve
- After a beloved teacher, coach, or community member
Honoring Those Who Made a Difference
The Susan Gifford-DeLeon 1980 Memorial Endowment Fund: Was established in 2013 by classmate Julie Phillips, Class of 1980. This fund provides financial support for current students to participate in educational field trips and programs related to earth science, ecology, or environmental science. It also enables students to engage in activities that encourage respect for the environment and wildlife, learn the principles of conservation and recycling, and volunteer in environmental stewardship initiatives within their communities.
The Charles E. Youmans Memorial Fund: Was established in memory of beloved faculty member Charles E. Youmans, who passed away in December 2001. During his tenure at The Gilbert School from 1968 to 1995, Mr. Youmans served as a member and chairman of the History Department, assistant football coach, and founder of the school's wrestling program. This fund supports the athletic department.
The Terrence Hastings Tirrell 1973 Memorial Scholarship: Recognizes a senior or alumnus pursuing higher education, with preference given to a student who has excelled in math. This scholarship was established in 2003 by family and friends of Terrence Tirrell, Gilbert alumnus, and longtime faculty member.
Minimum Gift Levels
Fully Endowed Fund/Scholarship — Minimum gift of $20,000
A Fully Endowed Fund is established in perpetuity with the principal fully invested and only the investment returns used annually to award scholarships or for purposes as defined in the gift agreement. Awards will commence after the Fund has been invested for at least one complete fiscal year. A donor may contribute to an existing Fully Endowed Fund/Scholarship at any time.
Partially Endowed Fund/Scholarship — Minimum gift of $5,000
A Partially Endowed Fund enables those who would like to eventually establish a Fully Endowed Fund to begin with a smaller investment. The Trust will hold these funds, with interest added to the principal each year, until the Fund reaches the minimum amount required for a Fully Endowed Fund as described above, but for a period not to exceed five (5) years. No awards are made until the fund reaches the required minimum. If the minimum for a Fully Endowed Fund cannot be reached within five (5) years, the monies can be transferred to the general endowment of The Trust or be added to another established fund or purpose of the donor's choice.
Start the Conversation
Creating an endowed scholarship or fund is a deeply personal decision. We're here to help you design a giving plan that honors your wishes and maximizes impact for Gilbert students.
Contact the Alumni Office to begin a confidential conversation:
Phone: (860) 379-1245
Email: gilbertalumni@gilbertschool.org
Together, we can create a legacy that educates and inspires for generations to come.