About Us

Founded by Ellen and Jerry Gallagher in 2001, the Gallagher Foundation provides undergraduate scholarships for university scholars. There are two active scholarship programs: in Mexico at ITESM - Monterrey Campus and in South Africa at the University of Cape Town. The Foundation has a former scholarship program in Turkey at Boğaziçi University and continues engagement with the graduated scholars in all of our programs.

The original group of Gallagher Scholars started their first year in 2002 in South Africa. Scholarships began in Mexico in 2004 and in Turkey in 2005.  All three countries selected by the Gallagher Foundation possess the following common criteria: a democratic government, an excellent university, a developing economy that is strong enough to provide sufficient job opportunities to very talented and well educated young people, a sizable population, laws that promote religious freedom and ban discrimination (religion, race, gender), extensive use of the English language, the reality or the promise of a peaceful environment, and the potential to make a major impact in a specific region of the world.

In 2014, Megan Prindiville became President of the Gallagher Foundation upon the passing of Jerry Gallagher. Megan previously served as Director of Administration and Vice President of the organization. Jerry left a strong legacy with the Foundation and his family. Ellen Gallagher and the three Gallagher children all play central roles in the Foundation. Ellen continues to have direct involvement with the Foundation.

The Gallagher Foundation believes that young educated leaders will bring peace and prosperity to the world.

The Foundation supports the visions of young leaders to positively impact their developing countries through college scholarships and membership with a community of scholars and alumni who share the same commitments.  

Our Scholars possess five traits that set them apart as distinguished leaders in their countries and in the world as a whole.  Gallagher Foundation Scholars are: Visionary, Ethical, Tolerant, Diligent and Committed.