We rely on our network of schools across 11 states to amplify efforts
Since 1934, the Sullivan Foundation has been inspiring young people to lead lives of integrity through a commitment to placing service above self-interest. With a strong focus on the American South, we work with a network of 70 schools in 11 states. While Sullivan schools come in many different shapes and sizes, most are smaller, liberal arts institutions with a proud tradition. In any given year, more than 250,000 students attend the schools that make up the Sullivan family.
The history of our
Awards & Scholarships
Our history dates back to the 1850s, when Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a lawyer and Southern transplant living in New York City, made a name for himself by using his intelligence, wealth, and social status to help those who were less fortunate. After his death, the New York Southern Society – a social organization founded by Sullivan – sought to honor him in the only way that he would have found acceptable: by honoring others. Thus, the Sullivan award was born in 1890. The Sullivan Foundation was established in 1934 to ensure the continuity of that mission. Today, the Sullivan award is presented at all of our 70 schools – one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduates at many schools. In addition to the award, we provide scholarships to a select number of schools to support their students pursuing changemaking careers.
Investing in our future through
Events & Programs
In the early 2000’s, the Sullivan Foundation began offering educational programs to our partner schools focused on service learning, civic engagement, and social entrepreneurship. Beyond honoring the good work happening across the American Southeast, we want to actively support and train emerging leaders. Today, we coordinate retreats, field trips, fellowships and professional development opportunities. We encourage students and faculty who participate to develop their capacities for service while introducing them to new tools such as social entrepreneurship as a means for addressing pressing problems in their communities. From education reform to tackling food deserts, microfinance to youth empowerment, we encourage those we work with to champion innovative approaches to issues unique to the American Southeast context.