OSU Endowment Gifts

One of the greatest gifts you can give to OSU is creating or adding to an endowed fund. Endowed giving is an investment in the university's students, faculty and programs that makes a lasting impact for years to come. Oregon State has over 2,000 endowed funds supporting scholarships, faculty and programs.

How does it work?

With a minimum gift of $50,000 you can create a permanent endowed fund in your own name or honor someone special. Your gift can support scholarships, seminars, faculty, library resources, a department or college, research funding, athletics or student experience funds.

Each year, a portion of the fund’s balance (currently 4%) is transferred to support the OSU program you have chosen. The core of the fund remains invested for long-term growth.

The Impact of OSU’s Endowment Funds and Programs

In 2022, the endowment payout from the OSU Foundation to the university surpassed $25 million for the first time. This represents an increase of 12% from the previous year, supporting scholarships, faculty positions, programs and projects designated by our community of donors. Learn more about the impact of endowed funds below.

Endowed scholarship funds

Scholarship funds like those created by Nancy and Kent Searles create life-changing opportunities for generations of students. Donors may select certain criteria for scholarship recipients, such as students in a specific college. Donors may also name an endowed scholarship to honor a family legacy, business or loved one – even a furry friend like Benny the boxer.

Endowed program funds

Endowments that support university programs – OSU Libraries, departments, athletics, 4-H, Greek life, OSU Extension field stations, cultural centers, the Sustainability Office and Office of Institutional Diversity, to name a few – provide stability and help leaders quickly respond to needs as they emerge. When the pandemic hit, the Melvin R. George and Family Endowed Fund helped students stay on track to graduate.

Endowed faculty position funds

Endowed faculty support funds help OSU recruit and retain nationally and internationally known scholars, educators and researchers as well as rising stars in their field – fueling their passion for teaching, mentoring, discovery and innovation. Meet the visionary donors who support these exceptional Oregon State faculty.

Endowment levels and categories

The chart below shows the minimum gift levels to endow scholarships and fellowships, faculty and coaching positions and programs.

Deanship or institute directorship	$5 million endowment
Chair	$2 million endowment
Coach	$1 million endowment (amount varies by sport)
Professorship	$1 million endowment
Faculty Fellow	$500,000 endowment (or $50,000/year for 3 years for a current-use named fund)
Faculty Scholar	$250,000 endowment (or $25,000/year for 3 years, current-use)
Presidential Scholarship	$250,000 endowment
General undergraduate scholarship or graduate fellowship	$50,000 endowment
Endowed program fund	$50,000 endowment

If you're interested in establishing an endowed fund at Oregon State, the best way to get started is to contact Pam Powell at 541-737-5820 in the OSU Foundation's Office of Donor Stewardship. We will connect you with someone to help you and your advisors through the planning process. There are many creative ways to structure your gift to achieve your financial and philanthropic goals.