Endowment / Foundation

Updated:

Jefferson Scholars Foundation

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation was established in 1980 as a nonprofit tied to the University of Virginia. Its programs identify and fund students and...

Jefferson Scholars Foundation logo

Jefferson Scholars Foundation

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation was established in 1980 as a nonprofit tied to the University of Virginia. Its programs identify and fund students and faculty through full-cost scholarships and endowed positions. Primary donor relationships include the Walentas family and Thomas A. Saunders III. The foundation holds a 26.24 percent allocation to private equity. It also owns multiple properties in Charlottesville, including the headquarters at Clarke Court, the Fellows Center, Walsh-McShane House, and portions of Ivy Square Shopping Center. Geographic focus remains limited to the United States with all activity centered in Virginia. The organization employs 39 professionals. Investment advice is provided by UVIMCO. No new operational events have been recorded in the last 24 months. Governance centers on its role as the dedicated scholarship and fellowship vehicle for the University of Virginia, with all programs administered through direct partnership rather than external fund commitments.

General information

Firm type

Endowment / Foundation

Year founded

1980

Location

Region

North America

Country

United States

City

Charlottesville

Corporate office

112 Clarke Court, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

Sector focus

Education

Frequently asked questions

Who provides investment management services to the Jefferson Scholars Foundation?

UVIMCO serves as the primary investment advisor. Robert W. Durden is listed as the main contact for this relationship.

What asset classes appear in the foundation's allocation?

Private equity accounts for 26.24 percent of assets. The balance supports real-estate holdings and program operations.

Does the foundation make fund commitments or direct investments?

Available data shows direct ownership of real estate and a private-equity allocation. No external fund commitments are disclosed.

Which major donors support the foundation's programs?

David and Jane Walentas provided $100 million for the Walentas Scholars Program. Thomas A. Saunders III has funded multiple endowed professorships.

How is the foundation connected to the University of Virginia?

The University of Virginia is the sole institutional beneficiary. All scholarship, fellowship, and faculty support flows through this partnership.

Profile maintained by using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.

Need institutional-grade insight on endowments & foundations?

Altss delivers:

Principals with verified direct contactsAllocation history by asset classOSINT-derived deal signals
Book a demo

Prefer a guided tour?

We’ll walk you through:

Interactive funding timelinesCustom mandate & allocation filters
Book a demo

More Charlottesville Endowment / Foundation profiles