University Endowment
Learn more about Grand Valley State University's endowment. You can also visit the endowment FAQ page for more information.
What is it? How does the endowment grow?
What is it used for?
Search current endowed funds
Who gives to the endowment?
How can I give?
Contact us
A gift to Grand Valley State University’s endowment is an investment in the university’s future. When you give to the endowment, your gift provides perpetual income that will support the long-term strategic priorities of the university and help maintain Grand Valley’s high standards of academic excellence.
Ultimately, the endowment acts like Grand Valley’s savings account. The return, or interest earned, on the investment of an endowed fund will produce a permanent income for the university. By giving to Grand Valley’s endowment, you will leave a legacy that will support students for generations to come.
An original gift to the endowment will never be spent. Instead, a set percentage of the return will be used to support the university; that way the endowment can maintain its spending power over time. To guard against inflation and help the fund grow, the remainder of the return is added to the original gift.
Endowment funds are used to support the university in a variety of ways. Grand Valley has hundreds of different endowment funds helping to build financial support for academic programs, students, faculty, and scholarships. Some possibilities include:
- Scholarships & Fellowships
- Departments
- Centers of Excellence
- Faculty Chairs
- Deanships
- Specific Colleges or Schools
- Faculty Fellowships
- Institutes or Offices
- Professorships
- Programs
- Special Projects
- Lecture Series
Search current endowed funds for more ideas.
You might want to support the university's endowment if:
- You are an annual donor to Grand Valley and want to make sure your support continues after your lifetime
- You have a favorite program at Grand Valley that you would like to support far into the future
- You want to support generations of Grand Valley students financially through a long-term scholarship fund
- You want to honor your family name through a charitable gift
How can I give to the endowment?
There are several ways to support the endowment. The Grand Valley State University Endowment Fund acts as the overarching fund that supports general academic excellence and university growth through strategic priorities. You can give to this general endowment fund, find an endowed fund specific to your interests, or create an endowment fund of your own. Gifts of cash, pledges, or planned gifts of any kind can support the endowment.
Read stories about endowment donors.
See our FAQ page for more information.
Please feel free to contact Kristin Linscott with any questions regarding the endowment or planned giving:
Kristin G. Linscott MPA '11
Director of Endowed and Planned Giving
University Development
(616) 331-6534