Endowments
Endowed gifts are held by the University in perpetuity. The initial gift is invested, and a portion (typically about 5%) of the fund's market value is awarded annually for the purpose designated by the benefactor. Thus, the benefactor who makes an endowment gift today can feel confident it will continue to support its intended purpose far into the future.
The Board of Trustees has established minimum support levels for various types of endowments to guarantee that income will be adequate to achieve the benefactor's intent—now and in the future. These endowments may be named in recognition of the generosity and vision of the donors, or in honor or memory of persons of the donors' choice. Named endowments stand in perpetuity as landmarks.
Endowment Category Minimum Gift |
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Faculty Support |
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$5,000,000 |
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$5,000,000 |
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$3,000,000 |
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$2,000,000 |
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$1,000,000 |
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$500,000 |
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Graduate Student Aid |
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$250,000 |
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$50,000 |
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Undergraduate Student Aid |
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$50,000 |
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$50,000 |
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| Honors College Scholarship | $50,000 |
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$50,000 |
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$50,000 |
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$30,000 |
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Other Endowments |
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$100,000 |
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$50,000 |
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$25,000 |
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$25,000 |
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$20,000 |
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Learn more about how Penn State stewards gifts to its endowment.