Benefits of Endowment Giving at PLU
Endowments hold the power to create an everlasting impact, ensuring the enduring success of PLU for generations.
Fueled by the generosity of donors and alumni, PLU endowments support new facilities, programs and lectures, professorships, research and internships, student scholarships and other impactful initiatives.
Over time, these endowments have transformed lives on and off campus, offering enriching educational experiences, career development services, and valuable opportunities to students and alumni alike. Join us in building a lasting positive change.
Explore further to learn how the endowment enables students, professors, and PLU to make a significant impact within our communities – made achievable through the support of the PLU community.
Contact us at advancement@plu.edu, 253-535-7177 or connect with us to learn more about giving options.
Current Endowment
Value of Endowment as of May 31, 2022:
As of 9/30/2022, an estimated 1.09% of PLU’s Endowment was invested in equities linked to fossil fuels.
Outsources Chief Information Office (OCIO): Verus
Endowment Investment
Endowment Distribution
Endowment Market Value
About Endowment Giving
PLU’s endowment, mainly comprising University-controlled investments, may include assets managed by third parties like banks or brokerage firms under donor arrangements. The primary goal is to provide returns supporting the University’s financial stability and mission indefinitely. The endowment’s spending is crucial revenue for PLU, creating a need for stability. Balancing the objectives of maintaining purchasing power and ensuring stability guides the endowment’s investment strategy and spending formula. Your support helps achieve these lasting goals.
Endowment FAQ
What is an endowment?
Endowments are funds intended to provide support to students and programs in perpetuity. Endowments are invested, and each year, a portion of the investment income is spent to ensure academic excellence, provide access and opportunity, and sustain the University’s mission. It’s a meaningful giving option for those interested in having an ongoing, long-term impact that will extend far into the University’s future.
How are endowment funds invested?
The PLU endowment is invested in highly diversified asset classes, providing principal stability. Spending from the endowment is a critical source of PLU’s annual revenue, creating an objective for stability and intergenerational equity. The investment portfolio return is intended to maintain purchasing power (inflation) and offset draws (spending). Therefore, the total return aims to exceed inflation plus 4.5%, or about 7% total. View PLU’s Endowment Investment and Spending Policy.
How can I establish an endowed fund?
First, you should contact a Gift Planner to discuss if an endowment is the right type of gift to achieve your desired impact and what type of endowment is best. Then, the Gift Planner will work with you to create a written agreement, authorized by you and the University, that will guide the use of income generated by this endowed fund.
How can I find out the status of my endowed fund?
We provide donors of endowed funds with an annual report that reflects the financial status and activities of the fund for the previous fiscal year (June 1-May 31). If you have questions at any time, please contact us.
Can I contribute to an endowment fund without starting one myself?
Yes! PLU is always seeking additional gifts to the endowment – and there are existing funds and projects that should interest everyone! Contributions of any size may be given to these endowment funds. Please contact a Gift Planner for information about gifts to existing endowment funds or to learn how to create your fund by contributing over the years or through deferred gifts.
For more information, contact us at advancement@plu.edu or 253-535-7177.