FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN WASHINGTON logo
Foundation Annual

Funding Amount

Minimum $25,000 to establish; $1,000+ annual awards (growing over time)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Endowed Scholarship

Overview: Permanent, sustainable funding mechanism where gifts keep supporting students year after year in perpetuity.

Eligibility & Setup:

  • Donors can establish endowment funds to support students in perpetuity

  • Scholarships may be designated to particular college, department, or program

  • May be named in memory or honor of someone, or after an organization/person

  • Effective tool for recruiting promising freshmen and retaining accomplished students

    • Minimum Investment: $25,000 minimum required at Western Washington University to establish an endowed scholarship

    Award Structure:

  • Typical allocation from endowment: 4% annually

  • Interest earned above allocation amount is reinvested to help fund grow

  • Deductions: 1.5% gift assessment and 0.30% investment management fee

  • Minimum endowment of $25,000 provides $1,000 award initially and grows over time

  • Larger endowments generate larger annual scholarship awards

    • Flexible Funding Timeline: Gifts can be made over five years after establishment to allow donations to total $25,000 or more

    Award Timing: Scholarships awarded each spring; selection committee reviews applications and chooses recipients

    Recognition: Donors receive thank-you letter with student information and invitation to annual banquet (typically Winter Quarter)

    Contact Information:

  • The Foundation for WWU & Alumni

  • Old Main 430, MS 9034, 516 High Street, Bellingham WA 98225

  • Phone: (360) 650-3027

  • Email: forwestern@wwu.edu

  • Tax ID: 91-6073519

    • How to Apply

    How to Establish an Endowed Scholarship

    1. Determine Scholarship Details
    - Choose the name of your scholarship
    - Define the type of student/criteria for support
    - Decide on geographic or program focus

    2. Draft Agreement
    - Your WWU Scholarship Contact will draft a scholarship agreement for your review and signature
    - Preferred completion date: March 1 to ensure award for following school year

    3. Funding Options
    - Option A: Full $25,000+ gift upfront
    - Option B: Gifts made over five years (total to $25,000+)

    4. Marketing
    - WWU will advertise your scholarship (typically March and April each year)

    5. Selection
    - Selection committee will review applications and choose the best candidate(s)

    6. Permanent Support
    - Scholarship applies directly to student's account during the school year
    - Continues in perpetuity with annual awards from endowment earnings

    7. Recognition & Connection
    - Receive thank-you letter with information about your scholar
    - Receive invitation to annual banquet (typically Winter Quarter) to meet your scholar

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