Trust Education Foundation Inc.

## Approach Strategy

The Trust Education Foundation (TEF) is a specialized niche foundation laser-focused on one domain: trust and wealth management education through its exclusive partnership with Campbell University. Unlike broad-based education foundations, TEF operates as a quasi-institutional support arm, channeling resources into scholarships, curriculum development, professional conferences, and job placement for students in Campbell's Trust & Wealth Management Programs.

Key Strategic Insight: TEF is not a traditional grantmaking foundation. It functions more as an industry-academic bridge organization. Its Board of Directors and Advisory Board read like a who's-who of the trust and fiduciary industry -- senior vice presidents from Truist, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, First Citizens Bank, and Northern Trust all serve in governance roles. This means TEF's strategy is deeply shaped by industry workforce needs rather than philanthropic theory.

Grant seekers should understand that TEF's primary funding mechanism is scholarships for Campbell University students, not programmatic grants to outside organizations. The foundation is preselected-only, meaning it does not accept unsolicited applications from external nonprofits or individuals outside the Campbell ecosystem.

## Funding Patterns

With total assets of approximately $1.65 million, TEF is a modest-sized foundation that punches above its weight through strategic industry partnerships rather than large-dollar grantmaking.

Funding Allocation: TEF's resources flow through several primary channels: - Student scholarships for Campbell University's undergraduate and Master of Trust & Wealth Management (MTWM) programs, targeting students with high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need - Trust Advisors Forum -- an annual multi-day conference at Pinehurst Resort (most recently February 22-25, 2026) that serves as both a revenue generator and the foundation's flagship continuing education event - Campbell Trust Advisors Institute / ATFA Certification -- professional credentialing that reinforces the pipeline between Campbell graduates and industry employers - Curriculum monitoring and development to keep programs aligned with evolving industry regulations and practices

Grant Size Indicators: TEF does not publicly disclose individual scholarship amounts. Given total assets of ~$1.65M and the foundation's operating expenses (conference logistics, board operations), available scholarship disbursements likely range from $2,000-$10,000 per student per year, though this is an estimate based on foundation size and typical education foundation ratios.

Funding Cycle: The Trust Advisors Forum occurs annually in February. Scholarship decisions likely align with Campbell University's academic calendar (fall enrollment decisions made in spring/summer).

## Peer Comparison

Peer Set: TEF occupies a unique niche with very few direct peers. The closest comparisons include:

1. American Bankers Association (ABA) Foundation -- Much larger, broader scope covering all banking education, but shares TEF's focus on workforce development in financial services. ABA Foundation offers the Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

2. Cannon Financial Institute -- Private firm (not nonprofit) that provides trust and wealth management training. Competes with TEF's continuing education mission but operates commercially.

3. Fiduciary Investment Risk Management Association (FIRMA) -- FIRMA's Executive Director Hale Mast sits on TEF's Advisory Board, indicating a collaborative rather than competitive relationship. FIRMA focuses on risk management education for fiduciaries.

4. Other university-affiliated trust programs -- Texas Tech, Appalachian State, and a handful of other institutions have wealth management programs, but none have a dedicated external foundation structure like TEF.

TEF's Differentiators: - 95%+ job placement rate within one month of graduation is exceptional for any professional program - The only foundation dedicated exclusively to trust and wealth management education at a single university - Industry governance ensures curriculum stays market-relevant - The Trust Advisors Forum has operated for 40+ years as a premier CE event - Small enough to be personal -- TEF leadership knows every student and most industry partners by name

## Recent Activity

Trust Advisors Forum 2026: The most recent major event was the annual Trust Advisors Forum held at Pinehurst Resort, February 22-25, 2026. This multi-day conference featured continuing education credits and brought together trust professionals from across the country.

Master of Trust & Wealth Management (MTWM): The graduate program continues to expand alongside the established 4+1 MBA pathway, giving students multiple routes to advanced credentials in wealth management.

Board Composition (2025-2026): TEF maintains a robust governance structure with Jason Niell of City National Bank serving as Chairman, Laurence Chambers of Wells Fargo as President, Jimmy Witherspoon of Campbell University as Treasurer, and Maria Sturges of Arden Trust Company as Secretary. The board spans major financial institutions including Truist, First Citizens Bank, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, US Bank, and Key Private Bank.

Executive Leadership: Patrick W. Alyward, Founder and CEO of TRUSTworthy Consultants, LLC, serves as Executive Director.

Continued Industry Engagement: TEF's advisory board has grown to include representatives from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Clearstead Advisory Solutions, and AccuTech Systems, indicating expanding industry partnerships.

## Application Tips

Critical Caveat: TEF is a preselected-only foundation. It does not accept unsolicited grant applications from external organizations. Its funding flows exclusively through Campbell University's Trust & Wealth Management Programs.

For Prospective Students: 1. Apply to Campbell University's Trust & Wealth Management Program first -- TEF scholarships are available only to enrolled students 2. Demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need -- these are the stated criteria for TEF scholarship recipients 3. Engage with industry events early -- attending or volunteering at the Trust Advisors Forum as a student creates visibility with potential scholarship decision-makers and future employers 4. Leverage the placement network -- TEF's board members represent hiring organizations; the 95%+ placement rate is a direct result of these industry connections

For Organizations Seeking Partnership: 1. Sponsor the Trust Advisors Forum -- this is the primary way external organizations engage with TEF, gaining visibility while supporting trust education 2. Offer internship placements -- TEF actively seeks industry partners willing to host Campbell Trust students 3. Join the Advisory Board -- industry professionals can contribute expertise while building institutional relationships 4. Contact Jimmy Witherspoon directly at witherspoon@campbell.edu or (910) 893-1387 for partnership inquiries

For Grant Writers: TEF is not a target for traditional grant applications. If your organization's mission overlaps with financial literacy, fiduciary education, or workforce development in wealth management, consider partnership-based engagement rather than grant proposals.