LoginsEach year, Foundation reviewers identify many more exceptional undergraduate researchers than the Foundation can fund. A named scholarship lets a donor, family, or organization put their name behind five of those students every year — supporting the next generation of research leaders in the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
Two ways to establish a named scholarship
Term Scholarship
$250,000
As a one-time gift, or a five-year pledge of $50,000 per year.
Funds five named scholarships annually for five years — 25 named scholarships in total.
Endowed Scholarship
$1,000,000
As a one-time endowment gift.
Funds five named scholarships annually, in perpetuity.
Shape the scholarship
Naming. Scholarships may carry the donor’s name, memorialize an individual, or recognize an organization.
Focus. Awards may be open to all Goldwater-eligible fields or targeted to a specific discipline and may be awarded nationally or restricted to a geographic region.
How recipients are selected
Foundation reviewers identify the strongest candidates who meet the donor’s criteria through the Goldwater competition’s regular review. The Foundation President reviews the recommendations, and the Board of Trustees gives final approval — so every named scholarship carries the same merit standard as every Goldwater award.
Donor recognition
Donors receive annual updates from their scholarship recipients throughout the students’ undergraduate years, recognition of the named scholarship in Foundation publications and presentations, and recognition on the Foundation’s website.
Start the conversation
To discuss establishing a named scholarship, contact Dr. John Mateja, President — goldwaterpres@goldwaterscholarship.gov or 703-756-6012.