Endowed Scholarship

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 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