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.
School Catalyst Fund
The Trachtenberg Catalyst Fund fuels transformative initiatives across the School, including:
- Innovative curricular programs and student outreach that expand learning beyond the classroom
- Community-building efforts that strengthen connections among students, alumni, and faculty
- Faculty research that advances public policy, public administration, and deepens our collective impact
Trachtenberg Professional Development Fund
Whether presenting, networking, or exploring new policy areas, conferences play a vital role in graduate education. To support the integration of academic learning with real- world experience, the Professional Development Fund provides financial support for MPA, MPP, ESP and PhD students to attend professional conferences. To direct your gift specifically to TSPPPA professional development efforts, simply note that in the comment section of the giving form. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
Scholarship for Equity and Public Service
The Dr. Kathryn E. Newcomer Scholarship for Equity and Public Service Endowment empowers exceptional students who exemplify Kathy’s enduring commitment to the School’s core values of equity and service to the public good. By providing vital tuition support, the scholarship helps remove financial barriers to students who want to pursue their degree and work in public service.
The Public Administration Faculty/Alumni Scholarship Endowment
Supporting student scholarships opens doors for talented individuals, regardless of financial background, to fully engage with the opportunities, resources, and community offered by the Trachtenberg School and the George Washington University. It’s an investment in excellence and the future of public service.
GW Cares Student Assistance Fund
The GW community is coming together to support students in need through GW Cares. This vital fund provides emergency assistance to Trachtenberg graduate students facing financial hardship, helping to cover essential expenses such as housing, food, technology, and income lost from part-time jobs. To direct your gift specifically to TSPPPA students, simply note that in the comment section of the giving form. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.
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 20090-8131
- Call the GW Division of Development and Alumni Relations at 1-800-789-2611 to make a donation by phone.
Donor Spotlight
A Living Legacy: Vicki Thomas Funds TSPPPA Fellowship
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.