← Back to US Funders Directory

The Suder Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.2M
Grant Range
$1000K - $10.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5,226,224 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (institutional partnership model)
  • Grant Range: $1,000,000 - $10,000,000 (institutional grants)
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Website: https://suderfoundation.org/
Email: info@suderfoundation.org
Phone: 469-429-2200
Address: 3701 E Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074

For institutional partnership inquiries through FirstGen Forward Network: Network@firstgenforward.org

Overview

The Suder Foundation was established in 2009 by Eric and Deborah Suder as an operating foundation focused exclusively on transforming higher education for first-generation college students. Since 2008, the Suders have invested over $30 million in supporting first-generation student success. The foundation operates as a catalytic philanthropist, initially creating the First Scholars® Program at select universities, then scaling nationally through a 2017 partnership with NASPA to establish the Center for First-generation Student Success (now FirstGen Forward). The foundation has transitioned from direct scholarship provision to systemic institutional change, partnering with 429 institutions across 49 states serving nearly 5 million first-generation students. In 2022, the foundation committed an additional $10 million to expand the network to 750 institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

First Scholars Network Partnership Grants: $1,000,000 per institution over five years

  • Direct institutional partnerships with select universities
  • Comprehensive support including scholarship funds and programmatic resources
  • Historical partners include University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, Southern Illinois University, University of Memphis, Washington State University, Northern Arizona University, Kansas State University, University of Arkansas, and University of Utah

Center for First-generation Student Success/FirstGen Forward: $17,500,000+ total investment

  • Established in 2017 with $7.5 million initial commitment
  • Additional $10 million commitment in 2022 for network expansion
  • Supports network of 429 institutions across 49 states

Priority Areas

  • First-generation college student success - Students whose parents have no education beyond high school
  • Middle academic quartile students - Focusing on students with financial need whose GPAs and test scores place them in the middle range of their university's student body
  • Holistic student support - Financial aid combined with academic, emotional, and social assistance
  • Institutional transformation - Systemic change at higher education institutions to better serve first-generation students
  • Four pillars of impact:
    • Economic Opportunity
    • Social Engagement
    • Inclusive Education
    • National Leadership

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual student scholarships (applications go through partner universities)
  • Organizations outside higher education sector
  • Institutions not committed to systemic first-generation student support
  • Projects not aligned with first-generation college student success

Governance and Leadership

Eric Suder, Founder and Chair

  • Led the foundation since its inception in 2009
  • Former business executive who recognized the gap in support for first-generation students
  • Key quote: "We believe in the lifelong potential of first-gen college students, and we believe in the power of higher education institutions to help create transformational change to better serve their needs."
  • On early learning: "We naïvely thought that financial aid would assure their success. This was not the case."

Deborah Suder, Co-Founder

  • Worked alongside Eric since 2008 to transform higher education for first-generation students
  • Over 35 years of experience as a principal and broker in Texas commercial real estate investment and development
  • Described as a "Catalytic Philanthropist" focused on empowering first-generation college students

The foundation operates with a small, focused team dedicated to their mission of advancing societal transformation through higher education.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Direct Institutional Partnerships: This funder does not have a public application process for direct First Scholars partnerships. The foundation historically selected universities through a strategic, invitation-based process for its flagship First Scholars® Program, which provided $1 million over five years to each partner institution.

FirstGen Forward Network (formerly Center for First-generation Student Success): Institutions can apply to join the FirstGen Forward Network, which is the foundation's scaled approach to institutional transformation:

  1. Review requirements for Network Member status
  2. Complete the Interest Form at firstgenforward.org
  3. Receive access to Information Sessions and the Readiness and Progress Audit Content Guide
  4. Submit the Readiness and Progress Audit when available
  5. Participate in competitive selection process

No application fees - There is no cost to apply or annual membership fee for Network Member status. Institutions only pay for learning and development requirements.

Contact for institutional inquiries: Network@firstgenforward.org

Getting on Their Radar

The Suder Foundation operates through strategic partnerships rather than open solicitation. Institutions interested in deep partnership should:

  • Join the FirstGen Forward Network - The foundation's primary vehicle for identifying institutions committed to first-generation student success. Network Members demonstrate their commitment through monthly workshops, peer learning opportunities, and professional development sessions in their first year.

  • Demonstrate institutional commitment - Universities selected for First Scholars partnerships have shown "demonstrated commitment to advancing the outcomes of first-generation students through improving both first-generation student success initiatives and institution-wide approaches."

  • Progress through network phases - The FirstGen Forward Network has a multi-phase journey: Network Member → Network Leader → First Scholars → Champion Campus. Advancement demonstrates deepening commitment and readiness for more intensive partnership.

Decision Timeline

FirstGen Forward Network: Applications are reviewed on a cohort basis. After submitting the Interest Form, institutions receive communication about next steps. The first year as a Network Member involves monthly engagement.

Direct First Scholars partnerships: Timeline not publicly available as partnerships are strategic and invitation-based.

Success Rates

Student outcomes from First Scholars Program:

  • Inaugural cohort at University of Kentucky achieved 80-85% graduation rate
  • First Scholars students lead in credit accumulation and college GPAs compared to peers
  • As of 2014, approximately 400 students were served across partner universities

Network growth: The Center/FirstGen Forward has grown to serve 429 institutions spanning 49 states and the District of Columbia, with plans to reach 750 institutions serving nearly 2 million first-generation students.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable for direct partnerships. Institutions can remain engaged with the FirstGen Forward Network and progress through network phases demonstrating increasing commitment and readiness.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented approach and successful partnerships:

For FirstGen Forward Network membership:

  • Demonstrated institutional commitment - WKU's selection was based on evidence that "Western Kentucky University is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population."

  • Readiness for transformation - Institutions must show readiness to make systemic changes, not just add programs

  • Alignment with holistic support model - The foundation's approach goes beyond scholarships to include:

    • First year: Campus connection and acclimation
    • Sophomore year: Optimizing higher education experience
    • Third year: Expanding career opportunities
    • Fourth year: Transitioning to workplace

Key differentiators in successful partnerships:

  • Focus on middle-quartile students with financial need, not just top performers
  • Investment in "life-balance skills training, social and campus engagement, academic enrichment, and practical needs support"
  • Recognition that "FirstGen students represent the intersectionality, diversity and power of the heart and soul of our history - past, present and future"
  • Understanding that first-generation students have "a deep reservoir of talents and gifts" but face challenges around cultural capital and navigating college bureaucracy

Foundation's catalytic philanthropy approach - Eric Suder notes they've "joined the national conversation on first-gen success and are convening people to build awareness and move policy," indicating they value partners who see this as a movement, not just a program.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is an institutional funder, not a student scholarship funder - Individual students access support through partner universities, not by applying directly to the foundation

  • Start with FirstGen Forward Network membership - This is the primary pathway for institutions to demonstrate commitment and potentially advance to deeper partnership levels

  • Think systemic change, not just programs - The foundation transitioned from an operating foundation to supporting institutional transformation; they seek partners committed to changing how institutions serve first-generation students

  • Emphasize middle-quartile focus - The foundation specifically targets students in the middle academic range with financial need, recognizing untapped potential in this population

  • Holistic support model is central - Financial aid alone is insufficient; successful partners integrate academic, emotional, social, and practical support

  • Long-term commitment required - First Scholars partnerships are five-year, $1 million commitments; the foundation seeks institutions ready for sustained transformation

  • Movement mindset matters - The Suders position their work as "catalytic philanthropy" aimed at societal transformation, not just helping individual students

References

← Back to US Funders Directory