Endowments
Endowment earnings support university priorities such as academic programs, athletics, campus life, facilities, faculty positions and research funds, library acquisitions, scholarships, and more.
What is an Endowment?
An endowment is a permanent fund that is invested with other Puget Sound financial resources to earn income. This income, over and above the initial endowment gift(s), can support a specific area of the university (see above) or can be unrestricted. Unrestricted gifts allow Puget Sound to meet its greatest need at any given time. Gifts funding a permanent endowment will not be distributed in whole or in part, only the earnings from their investment will be distributed in accordance with the wishes of the donor and within university distribution policies set by the board of trustees.
Why Create an Endowment?
Endowments live forever. An endowment's earnings create a permanent legacy at the university and can be restricted to support the donor's interest, may honor the donor in name, or honor another individual or entity.
For more information, please contact the Capital Giving Staff.
The Specifics
Minimum for New Endowment Funds
New endowment funds with donor-specified preferences are established with a minimum gift or pledge of $50,000, payable over a maximum of five years.
Memorial and Honorary Gifts/Funds
Unrestricted
New unrestricted, named endowment funds in memory or in honor of an individual may be established with a gift or pledge of at least $35,000 received within five years.
Restricted
Named endowment funds with specific preferences may be established with a gift or pledge of at least $50,000 received within five years.
Unnamed Memorial Gifts
Memorial gifts received in the absence of a commitment to establish a new named fund are directed to the endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund unless another existing fund or purpose is specified by the donor.
Honorary Gifts
Gifts in honor of individuals are credited to the Puget Sound Fund unless another existing fund or purpose is specified by the donor.
