Support the Trachtenberg School

Gifts to the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration support student and faculty research and travel, as well as fellowships and enrichment activities, including visiting faculty lectures and symposia. Every gift, large or small, furthers our educational mission and that of GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

Support one of our existing funds, or contact us about creating your own.

TSPPPA Funds

The Trachtenberg School Catalyst Fund is available to alleviate long-term financial hardship for students and to provide Trachtenberg students with financial aid opportunities as they pursue their education. This fund also supports innovative curricular and outreach activities for students, faculty, alumni and community success.

Erica Ross wearing a nametag and speaking to a roomful of seated students

The Dr. Kathryn E. Newcomer Scholarship for Equity and Public Service aids deserving students who embody Kathy’s and the school’s values and dedication to equity and public service. It provides critical tuition relief and promotes more diversity, equity and inclusion in our public service workforce.

A group of staff from the Regulatory Studies Center standing together and smiling

Many researchers, practitioners and scholars contribute to the Trachtenberg School. Support the Faculty Research Fund to provide faculty with access to data, research resources and funding for well-regarded scholarly activities. This fund prioritizes research partnerships.

Supporting student aid ensures that qualified students, regardless of financial resources, can take full advantage of all that the Trachtenberg School and George Washington University offer. In 2019, 45 percent of incoming Trachtenberg School students received a financial award from the school, lowering their loan burden.

Group of students in Kogan Plaza sitting and laughing

In the wake of COVID-19, many in the GW community are showing support for students by giving to GW Cares. The fund assists Trachtenberg graduate students facing financial hardship, including in paying for housing, food or technology expenses and offsetting income from lost part-time jobs. To earmark your gift for TSPPPA students, please indicate that in the comment section of the giving form.

Ways to Give

Give online through our secure donation page to the Trachtenberg School Catalyst Fund or to another TSPPPA fund.
Mail your check, made out to “The George Washington University” and with “The Trachtenberg School” in the memo line, to

The George Washington University
P.O. Box 98131
Washington, DC 20077-9756

Call the GW Division of Development and Alumni Relations at 1-800-789-2611 to make a donation by phone.

Donor Spotlight

Mary Tschirhart, Daniel Burwell, Vicki Thomas and Matt Cannella

After earning her Master of Arts in Policy Analysis and Evaluation from the George Washington University, Vicki Thomas, MPA ’83, worked for nonprofits dedicated to promoting democracy at home and abroad. She is an avid Washington Capitals and Nationals fan who spends her weekends volunteering to help homeless cats.

She was inspired by the distinguished career of her late father, Dr. John R. Thomas, a foremost expert on Russia for the State Department who earned a PhD in Sino-Soviet relations from GW in 1969. After his passing in 2017, Vicki established an endowed scholarship at GW.

The Thomas Fellowship provides a merit-based scholarship for Trachtenberg School graduate students who intend to pursue a career in Homeland Security, Emergency Management or National Defense. As a fiercely loyal donor and volunteer, Vicki’s gift has a direct influence on students.

“My passion for public service stems from my parents," said Daniel Burwell, MPP '21, a recent recipient. "Thanks to the Thomas Fellowship, I have been able to pursue my education full time."

Thanks to donors like Vicki, the Trachtenberg School is able to provide an annual scholarship for years to come. Learn more about endowing a scholarship or an endowed faculty professorship.