Endowments

Together, it is. And it will last forever.

In true Bobcat nature, we're joining with our family and friends to boost our collective support through a new opportunity to expand your giving—and the OHIO family, too.

Your gift helps undergraduate and graduate students afford all the lessons, the connections, the adventures, and the readiness of green and white of the OHIO experience—not just for four years, but for life.

You can be a part of providing cherished experiences to current, and future, Bobcats. Choose a giving opportunity that supports the experience you want to share with our undergraduate and graduate students—or we can help you establish your own. Through the OHIO Match®, any gift made to eligible scholarship endowments now through June 30, 2026 will be matched 50¢ on the dollar. For more information please contact us.

What is an endowment?

Much like a savings account, endowed funds generate income over time. Endowments create the foundation upon which universities build lasting financial strength and ensure academic quality. Once in place, endowments provide permanent support for teaching and research, student aid, and an abundance of other academic programs and activities.

These dollars can support scholarships, equipment and software upgrades, student research, and more. Distribution of funds will be subject to a specific set of guidelines formulated by The Ohio University Foundation in conjunction with you, the donor. You can create an endowment that will bear your name or the name of someone you wish to honor.

Because the financial requirements for various endowment and naming opportunities differ, donors are encouraged to discuss their ideas with a staff member from the Office of Development.

For more information please contact us.

How are endowment gifts managed?

Gifts to The Ohio University Foundation are managed in accordance with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act ("UPMIFA") adopted by the State of Ohio on June 1, 2009. UPMIFA provides guidance to charitable organizations for the management and investment of endowment funds. Spending authority for endowment accounts whose market value is at least 90% of the historic gift value is the product of a 4% spending rate and a 36-month moving average of fair market value. These accounts are also subject to an administrative fee in accordance with the endowment spending policy. From time to time, market ups and downs can cause an endowment’s current value to dip below the total amount originally given. When that happens, the fund is considered “underwater.” To help protect the endowment’s long‑term strength and impact, spending from these funds may be reduced temporarily, following the endowment spending policy. This approach helps ensure the fund can continue supporting its purpose well into the future.

What is the difference between an endowment and a restricted gift?

An endowment is kind of like a bank CD; after it's been invested for a certain period of time (typically a full fiscal year), it generates returns that can be used in accordance with the account guidelines. The investment income earned is the only portion that is ever spent. For example, if the John Doe Scholarship Endowment has positive returns in a given year, the university will use the investment income it generates to award the scholarship in the following fiscal year. The benefit to this type of gift is that it continues in perpetuity; the drawback is that it takes a lot more money to have a big annual impact.

A current-use gift, on the other hand, is designed to be used as soon as the unit needs it. As a donor, you can direct where the gift goes (a school, college, department, or scholarship, for example), or you may give unrestricted support to benefit the university's mission as a whole. The benefit to this type of gift is that it provides funding immediately for the cause you want to support. The drawback is that after the money is used, it's gone. So, for example, if you want to make a gift to create a scholarship, you would have to fund it annually if you'd like it to continue to be awarded.

Yearly Stewardship Reports

If you establish an endowment, we will update you annually with a report that provides an overview of your fund’s activity, including investment performance, total gifts received, funds available for spending, and the current market value.

Ready to share forever?

To discuss establishing an endowment fund and take advantage of the 50 percent match made possible by The OHIO Match®, contact us at giving@ohio.edu or call 740-593-2636 to schedule a meeting with our development team.