An endowment is a fund made up of gifts and/or bequests that are subject to a requirement that the principal be maintained intact and invested to create a source of income. Donors may set up an endowment to fund a specific interest (scholarships; faculty or program support; athletics; etc.). In any case, an endowment requires that the principal remain intact in perpetuity and the earnings are budgeted for the donor specified use each year.
You may make a gift by cash or check, marketable securities, credit card, real estate, mineral interests, bequests and other planned giving instruments, and tangible personal property (such as art or equipment). Non cash gifts are subject to gift acceptance policies.
Your gift will be used as you direct to support the mission of Lamar University. Whether you give to establish an endowment (usually a minimum of $15,000) or a one-time gift, you tell us which area of Lamar University you wish to support and your gift is then directed to that purpose---students, faculty and staff, or programs.
Who financially manages my endowment?
The Lamar University Foundation pools its assets for investment management. The Foundation utilizes a financial consultant to perform due diligence on all money managers and to recommend new asset classes when appropriate. The Lamar University Foundation Board of Trustees adopts a minimal risk investment policy in order to be good financial stewards of your gift.
What is the minimum needed to start an endowment?
The minimum amount to establish an endowment for scholarships is $15,000. For information on other types of endowments, please contact the Lamar University Foundation at (409) 880-2117.