What is the U of M endowment?

An endowment is a long-term investment in the University of Minnesota that provides benefits to students, faculty or programs year after year, generation after generation.

For endowed funds, the donor stipulates that the principal must be invested and that all or a portion of the income be expended to carry out the donor's purpose. To guard against the eroding consequences of inflation, the remaining portion of investment return is then added to the principal. The goal is to ensure that the principal maintains its purchasing power over time to support future generations.

Learn more about the endowment and how gifts are managed.

Who gives to the U, and how much
do they give?

Based on 2008 figures including new gifts, pledges, and deferred gifts:

• 87,949 individuals and corporations made gifts to the University in fiscal year 2008.
• Total giving to the U of M was $289 million in fiscal 2008.
• Approximately 57 percent of donors were alumni.
• There has been a steady increase in planned gifts to the Foundation in the past few years.
• A total of 50,628 alumni gave to the U in 2008.

What happens to all those gifts?

Nearly all of the gifts the University receives are designated by individual donors to a particular college or program or for a specific purpose.

If gifts are designated for an endowment fund, the money is invested and only a portion (4.5 percent) of the endowment fund is paid out annually for program support. The result is that the endowment can continue to grow over time, extending the value of giving for years to come

In 2008, $97 million was disbursed from the University of Minnesota Foundation to the University.

Learn more about the endowment and how gifts are managed.

Learn more about UMF disbursements.

If I’m interested in naming the
University in my will, what should I know?

Sample Language for Will

1. General Unrestricted Bequest
   
   “I give [the sum, percentage, or description of property] to the University of Minnesota Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be used for its general tax exempt purposes but without other restrictions as to use.”


2. General Restricted Bequest
   
   “I give [the sum, percentage, or description of property] to the University of Minnesota Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, to be used for the benefit of the [name of campus, college, or program].”

For more information, please contact our Planned Giving staff.

What does it cost the U to raise those gifts?

The University's cost to raise $1 was just 11 cents in fiscal year 2009, significantly below local and national standards.

The U ranks 6th among public universities and 17th among public and private schools in annual gifts and grants from individuals and organizations.

Learn more about where the University receives funding and how gifts are used.

Where are new gifts needed most?

Gifts from alumni and friends fill a critical funding niche in helping the University achieve the level of quality expected of the state’s premier research university. You can review these funding needs to find the best fit for your gift.

While most gifts to the University are designated by the donor for specific purposes, some donors prefer to designate their gift for use where the University determines the need is greatest.

Learn more about sources of University funding and how gifts are used.

How do I go about making a gift
to the U?

There are a variety of ways to make a gift. If you want to make an immediate cash gift, the easiest way to do so is through our secure online giving page. You may also send a gift by mail.

Interested in planned giving? Making a pledge for future payment? Check our Giving Opportunities section for a variety of ways to give.

Learn more about sources of University funding and how gifts are used.

How does the matching gift
program work?

Thousands of companies match the charitable contributions of their employees, sometimes at a rate of 2-1 or even 3-1. Check our online directory at right to see if your employer is listed. The directory also provides corporate contact information.

Look up the company you work for, and see if they participate in matching gifts.

How much support does the University get from the state of Minnesota?

The level of funding provided by the state of Minnesota has been shrinking. In fiscal year 2009, the state provided about 22 percent of the U's total budget.

Learn more about where the University receives funding and how gifts are used.

Are there other opportunities for
making deferred gifts?

Yes. While bequests are the most common, there are a range of other deferred giving options available.

You can learn about the specifics of each on our Planned Giving section.

To find out more about deferred gifts to the U, contact a planned giving specialist.

I'd like to talk to someone with specific knowledge about the college or program I want to support. Who do I contact?

There are development officers at every campus, every college and each major campus unit, and they are very familiar with ongoing programs and developing needs within their units. You can browse through our list of the units and their staffs.

Learn more about where colleges and other units at the University say their needs are greatest now.