Endowments

FAQ's

Running a liberal arts, Christian university is a significant undertaking. Our vision is to be a university known for its integration of excellent academic programs, a foundation in the Christian faith, and a focus on teaching leadership and ethics

Only a portion of the university's annual operating budget is covered by tuition and, as a private Christian university, we receive no government funding. Thus, we rely on endowment earnings to fund a significant percentage of our annual operating budget.

Establishing an Individual Named Endowment at NCU
Create a permanent fund in your name or in the name of someone you love and admire.

Funding your Endowment
With a minimum gift of $15,000, you may establish your own individually named endowment at NCU. Your contribution may be funded with cash, securities, or real estate, and may be pledged over a five-year period of time. Endowments may also be created through a will or other type of deferred gift. Once an endowment is established, you or your family members or friends may add to it at any time.

Naming Your Endowment
Endowments are named for the donor or for someone the donor wishes to honor or remember. You may select an individual such as a professor or you may give your endowment a family name so that future generations may participate in the growth of the family's fund.

Selecting Your Endowment's Purpose
At the time you establish your endowment, you may decide how the earnings from your fund will be spent. Options include student scholarships; faculty support such as an endowed chair or professorship; research; lecture series; or support of a particular school or program. Unrestricted endowments may also be established to help meet the university's most pressing needs, as determined annually.

*Please note that certain types of endowments may have higher minimum funding levels than $15,000, such as endowed professorships or chairs.

Investment & Spending Policy
All endowment funds are professionally invested among diverse asset classes with a goal of producing above-average long-term returns within acceptable risk limits. The Northwest Christian University Board of Trustees has an endowment oversight committee. The university spends a percentage of the total endowment value annually, based on the market value at December 31 of the previous year. Earnings above the calculated spending rate are reinvested so that your endowment will grow and keep pace with inflation over time.

Recognizing Your Generosity
Northwest Christian University deeply appreciates the generosity of donors who support our mission. We honor endowment donors by listing their names in our Endowment Annual Report. Of course, requests for anonymity are strictly observed.

Interested in funding an endowment? Call the University Advancement Office at (541) 684-7222 or e-mail and a planning specialist will contact you to discuss your interests and options.