About Endowments

Your aid allowed me to focus more on my studies and life passions rather than worrying and agonizing over monetary setbacks that my family would have had if not for the help of this scholarship.
– Maya King '21

Strengthening the University with a permanent impact

You can support annual funds and endowed funds with gifts.

Annual funds are for immediate use.  

Endowed funds are invested and allowed to grow. This way, the original gift is not spent; instead, only its growth is used. 

There are benefits to both types of gifts. For example, a gift to an annual scholarship fund would mean that the entire total of the donation could be awarded right away to students in need. A gift that establishes an endowed scholarship fund would be invested and then a percentage of the growth could be awarded as a scholarship each year forever.

A strong endowment reduces Gonzaga’s reliance on tuition and eases cost burdens on parents and students.

Endowments are funds that live on forever. The original gift is invested in way that provides income that benefits students while honoring donor intent and ensuring perpetual growth of the fund. Only a percentage of the earnings are spent each year, ensuring the original gift lasts forever.

Gonzaga’s endowment funding areas include: 

  • Scholarships
  • Academic and Research Awards
  • Internships
  • Retreats/Christian Life Communities/Service Projects
  • Innovation Funds
  • Facilities Support
Equation: Long-term investment return percentage minus inflation equals percent spending rate

What is an Endowment?

  • An endowment is a long-term portfolio invested to obtain a return (after fees) sufficient to provide an annual spending amount plus inflation (approximately 7.0%).
  • Endowments are perpetual in nature and represent an institutional commitment to support the donor's intended purpose.
  • The investments of endowed funds are diversified among asset classes that may perform differently in various market conditions. 
 

Student Spotlight

Nicole Moreno, Class of 2023

Nicole Moreno

Class of 2023

I'm a Latina first-generation student pursuing a passion for teaching. I worked through high school to raise money for college and I continue to work during the school year. I dreamt about going to Gonzaga since I was in 8th grade, when I visited on a college tour with my cousin. I would not be here without the support of donors. I am not the only person here with a similar background, and I know that donations make our dreams a reality. I appreciate it, more than I could ever express in words.

Portrait of Jackson Montani, Gonzaga University Class of 2023

Jackson Montani

Class of 2023

Scholarship means a lot to me as a first generation college student. It has given me the opportunity to pursue so much more than I could have ever hoped for. I have really tried to maximize my GU experience by going for classes or clubs that are completely out of my comfort zone so I can gain as much as I can from such a formative place. I am super grateful to get to go to school here and meet new people, try new things and become a more holistic, conscious person. I am beyond proud to be a Zag and have so many wonderful doors of opportunity opened by your donation. You truly make a difference. Thank you.

Portrait of Katherine Tuttle, Gonzaga University Class of 2024

Katherine Tuttle

Class of 2024

I chose Gonzaga because of its successful business school as well as the overall campus feel. When I first visited Gonzaga, it felt like home. Everyone here is so helpful and kind and everyone has the same passion for learning as I do. It is exciting to be in a school where everyone wants to learn and gets excited about the classes they are in. Thank you for offering this scholarship and allowing me to learn and grow at Gonzaga. Without your support I would not be able to continue to grow my education here. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Questions about endowments?

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502 E. Boone Ave
Spokane, WA 99258