Every gift is Jumbo!
2025-2026 Theme: Learn by doing
Tufts is buzzing with entrepreneurial energy. Our students learn by doing—gaining real-world skills in finance, marketing, and operations as they launch small businesses while still in school. With just a few hundred dollars, a little mentorship, and the right support, they transform ideas to action, developing confidence, business skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. This hands-on journey changes lives, opening doors to careers and income streams they never imagined possible.
This year, your gift makes a difference by helping us:
- Bring in small business owners to inspire and guide the next generation.
- Launch hackathons and fairs where student ventures come alive.
- Expand our seed grant program, where small checks create big impact.
Every gift is Jumbo. With your support, Tufts students will learn by doing and transform ideas to action—today and for years to come. Let’s make it happen!
2025-2026 Key Fundraising Priorities
We are currently working towards long term sustainability for the following programs. Contact us to learn more about making leadership gifts.
Annual Operating Fund
A majority of DEC’s annual operating expenses are funded through annual giving. This covers student prizes, experimental programming, staff time, equipment, supplies, travel and more.
Entrepreneurial Internship Fund
In partnership with the Career Center, DEC pays 10-15 students $4,500 to take otherwise unpaid internships, mostly hosted by Tufts alumni starting new ventures.
Tufts New Ventures Competition
DEC raises funds annually to cover cash prizes for the semifinals and finals rounds, staff time and refreshment costs for the Tufts New Ventures Competition.
Other ways to give
You can also mail a check, give by phone, give securities, make a gift through your Donor Advised Fund and more. Do be sure to specify that the gift is designated to Derby Entrepreneurship Center at Tufts.