Frequently Asked Questions
What does it take to create a new endowed fund?
An endowed fund is one which has a principal of at least $10,000.
Why should I create or give to an endowed fund?
A gift to an endowed fund becomes part of the principal of
that fund, enabling the department to award the scholarship, fellowship,
or prize distributed from the endowment income in perpetuity.
How is my gift protected?
The principal fund is invested by the University and part of
the income is distributed as a scholarship, fellowship, or prize
according to the terms of the endowment. To provide for real
growth of the principal and to guard against market fluctuations,
the University Trustees set the percentage that may be expended
at 4.25 percent of a three-year trailing average of the endowment's
market value.
What does it take to support a fully-funded position?
An endowed scholarship providing major tuition support for
an undergraduate student requires a principal of $150,000 for an
out-of-state student and $100,000 for an in-state student. A
graduate fellowship requires a principal of $250,000.