Foundation’s 2026 Focus is Fundraising Finish Line

A project so steeped in history – with Philadelphia as its birthplace – needs to be realized during the nation’s Semiquincentennial, said Colonel Matt Swindle, USMCR (Ret.), president of The Tun Legacy Foundation and chair of the Foundation’s Fundraising Committee. “Rebuilding the Tun is preserving history for future generations. Nothing is standing in our way to break ground on The Tun during this historic year beyond finalizing fundraising. Getting to that finish line – and beginning construction – is our sole focus in 2026,” he said.

To date, the Foundation has been instrumental in securing backing for the rebuild from thousands of donors and partners. In just two years, approximately $10 million has been raised against a total project cost of $27 million.

To close the gap, the Fundraising Committee is focused on leadership gifts from Keystone Donors and Plank Owners as part of a 2026 fundraising campaign goal of $15 million.

“We need others to join the ranks of The Timothy T. Day Foundation, the Estate of Fred Smith, Robert and Allison Brink, the Pennsylvania Freemasons, and one generous anonymous donor,” Swindle said. “Raising $15 million in the next ten months is ambitious but achievable. In the way the 250^th birthday of the United States Marine Corps contributed to a funding spike last year – attracting the participation of individual donors, as well as corporate sponsors and partners including Leidos, Marine Corps Community Services, Revolve Solutions LLC, USAA and others – we believe the Semiquincentennial will do the same.”

Beyond the Semiquincentennial, two recent developments will contribute to the fundraising momentum, Swindle added, including:

• We’ve settled a lawsuit on very favorable terms that removes all barriers to rebuilding The Tun® including the full use of “Tun,” and the Foundation is the sole entity that will operate the historic tavern and restaurant in Philadelphia. Read the joint statement here.
• The launch of The Tun Legacy Challenge by Robert Brink, board member and past board chair, and the newly installed Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

“The Foundation has achieved significant milestones. We purchased the land on South 2nd Street in Old City, completed architectural plans, secured permits and approvals, registered the trademark for the name ‘The Tun,’ and are now able to use the name ‘Tun’ on and within the premises,” Swindle said. “Mostly importantly, we have a great mission. Once built, we will have preserved an important part of our American history story,” he said.

“If you are a donor who can do a bit more, if you can reach out to a fellow Marine or Freemason and ask them to get involved, or you have been waiting for the right time to join the rebuild effort, the nation’s 250^th is a great time,” Swindle said.

For more information about donor options or to contribute, visit www.thetun.org or contact Denise Hollywood at dhollywood@lynchpinnacle.com.

Colonel Matt Swindle, USMCR (Ret.) is CEO and founder of NLine Energy, Inc. a renewable energy developer and solutions provider focused on energy recovery development. In addition to his civilian career, he is a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps, serving in enlisted and commissioned officer billets in infantry, reconnaissance, special operations, and intelligence units spanning a 31-year career with several combat deployments. At his June 2024 retirement he said, “While the uniform is being hung up, my service to the Corps is not.” That service includes leadership efforts focused on “rebuilding The Tun so that every Marine, past, present and future, has a venue to celebrate our Corps’ birthplace.” He has been a board member of The Tun Legacy Foundation since its inception in November 2023, serving first as vice president and now as president, and chairs the Foundation’s Fundraising Committee.