Endowment FAQs

Q: What is an endowment fund?

A: An endowment fund is an invested asset from charitable giving to the UW-Stevens Point Foundation, given for the benefit of UW-Stevens Point. A portion of the annual income from the investment is used to address key priorities and immediate needs of the university, while the remaining funds are reinvested to ensure ongoing, long-term support

Q: How is an endowment different than an annual fund gift?

A: Endowments provide long-term support for a scholarship, department, or program at UW-Stevens Point. Annual fund gifts are meant for immediate use and are often spent in their entirety. Annual gifts and endowment funds are both essential for student success and to support the program areas on campus designated by donors.

Q: Is there a minimum gift amount?

A: Donations of any size can be made to add to the principal of an endowed fund. The minimum threshold to establish a new endowed fund is $25,000 and may be given over a period as long as five years. All donations regardless of size are appreciated and will help an endowment fund’s principal growth.

Q: How are endowed fund distributions made?

A: The distribution is calculated using a 12-quarter rolling market average for each endowment to alleviate any market fluctuations that may occur. Our distribution is determined each year by the UWSP Foundation Board and, historically, has been 4%. Annual distributions are based on the investment market returns. The annual distribution is used to fund scholarship awards and program needs.  

Q: What are some alternative gifts I can make to an endowment?

A: There are many ways to donate to an endowed fund besides gifting cash. There may be tax advantages to donating stocks or other assets that have appreciated in value. Gifts can also be made through wills or as a beneficiary of life insurance policies, retirement accounts and other property. Please contact our Foundation Office at fnd@uwsp.edu, so we can connect you with the best person to discuss these options.

Q: Is my gift tax deductible?

A: Yes— all endowment gifts to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Foundation, Inc. (Tax ID 39-6098038) are tax deductible as allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor about how your gift will affect your taxes. 

Q: Who manages endowment funds? 

A: Endowment funds are administered by the UWSP Foundation and serve to support the University by enhancing scholarship support for students, as well as department programs and co-curricular activities (e.g. athletics or student life, etc..). The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Foundation is a non-profit corporation, independently governed by the UWSP Foundation Board of Directors. Endowment assets are currently managed through a partnership with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association, which also invests the endowment for UW-Madison. 

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