Creating Endowments At UVM

Through their generosity, the alumni and friends of UVM have helped us for over 200 years to achieve remarkable accomplishments in teaching, research and public service. Private philanthropy is critical to the University's growth and ability to maintain its high standards of excellence.

One way to ensure UVM's continued strength and excellence into the future is to build a strong foundation through endowment.

What is an Endowed Gift?
An endowed gift is one that is held in perpetuity. The gift is invested as a part of the University's consolidated endowment, and only a portion of its average annual investment return is used for the purposes specified by the donor. To protect against the eroding effects of inflation, the remaining return is added to the principal, thus ensuring that the investment maintains its value over time. In this way, a donor who gives an endowed gift today can be confident that it will grow and continue to support UVM over many years to come.

UVM's consolidated endowment consists of many different funds. Investment strategy is directed by the Board of Trustees. This strategy is designed to preserve both capital and the purchasing power of the endowment. To ensure that the income an endowment earns is sufficient to achieve a donor's intent, both now and in the future, the University has established minimum support levels for various types of endowments [see Naming Opportunities]. The minimum amount required to establish an endowment may change from time to time to reflect our changing economy.

Read the UVM Policies & Procedures for naming UVM a beneficiary of your estate.