Dartmouth Founders Project

The project is a community of alumni entrepreneurs sharing their success by giving to Dartmouth.

Why Join the Dartmouth Founders Project?

As a DFP member, you have the satisfaction of making philanthropic goals an integral part of your business strategy and success. As you grow your strategy, our team will connect you with campus resources for recruitment and networking to help you take advantage of all that Dartmouth has to offer our community of innovators.

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Join a Community

The Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship is an incredible resource for our entire entrepreneurial community. DFP members also receive a discount to the annual Bay Area Entrepreneurs Forum hosted by the Magnuson Center.

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Strategize Now

Incorporate philanthropy into your business strategy. It may be hard to imagine, but the best time to start is now. If you are approaching a liquidity event, the best time to plan your giving is before it happens. Email us and we’ll help you plan. 

Membership Details

No. There is no specific dollar amount or equity percentage commitment required. Annual giving is absolutely encouraged, but fulfillment of your Dartmouth Founders Project pledge is intended to be a personally meaningful “stretch” gift that marks a notable milestone in your entrepreneurial journey.

Yes. When the time comes—typically, after your company’s IPO, acquisition, or steady revenue growth—our team can help arrange your gift to Dartmouth. As a member of the Dartmouth Founders Project, you will have full control over the timing, amount, and designation of your gift. When you make your pledge, you can direct your gift to support the area(s) that matter most to you.

There are no immediate tax implications associated with making the Dartmouth Founders Project pledge. As with any charitable contribution, tax considerations only come into play when you fulfill your pledge with a gift to Dartmouth. We recommend that donors consult with their own financial advisors to fully understand the tax impact of any gift, given their specific circumstances. 

Yes. If you have supported Dartmouth via a previous startup exit, liquidity event, or meaningful “stretch gift,” we would love to welcome you into the DFP and help you stay involved in our entrepreneurial community.

Get in Touch

Are you interested in learning more about the Dartmouth Founders Project? Please reach out to a member of our team.

Emmaline Smyth

Senior Associate Director, Leadership Giving

$24 Million

Total impact from Dartmouth Founders Project members during The Call to Lead campaign

Let’s Have a Conversation

Interested? We’d love to speak with you! Please complete the form below and a member of our team will contact you to discuss the DFP in detail. (This will take about 15 minutes.) If you decide the DFP is right for you, we will send a pledge form following our conversation.