endowed gifts
Invest in the future of UIS
An endowed gift doesn't get spent. Instead we invest that money and use the earnings to fund the programs and initiatives that you choose.
Because of this endowed gifts provide stability for University in the future. And because you can put your name on the endowment (or the name of a person you want to honor or the organization that gave the gift), an endowment creates a lasting legacy of giving for you and those you honor.
The University of Illinois Foundation, our partner in raising money for UIS, provides the following information at the endowment section of the UIF website:
- How it works
- Current endowment
- Administrative fee
- Creating an endowment
- Endowing an annual gift
Currently Endowed Funds at UIS
Endowments at UIS are growing each year. Here are just a few examples:
- Ameren Illinois Utilities created an endowed professorship--the Ameren Distinguished Professor of Business and Government. Now filled by Dr. Karl McDermott, because the professorship is endowed, it will continue to provide research funds and salary support for many years to come.
- The American Association of University Women has created two endowed scholarships at UIS and is planning to add two more.
- The Luther W. Skelton Endowment for Energy Policy and Energy Research helps to defray thesis expenses for graduate students in environmental studies whose research focuses on energy.
- The WUIS Legacy Endowment Fund provides long-term stability for UIS' public radio station.
What Will You Endow?
The possibilities are almost limitless, but here a few of our dreams:
- An endowed research fund to provide support for students in the summer--so much better to earn money by doing research than by working at the nearest big box store!
- An endowed Book Fund for the Diversity Center to give out to first-generation students who cannot afford the average $600 per semester necessary to buy books.
- An endowed travel fund to support students going to conferences to present their academic research--students are going now but only if they can pay their own way.
- An endowed fund for the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project to support their important work of service and education.
- An endowed fund to support the Leadership for Life wing in our residence halls. Think of the wonderful return that will come from investing in students commited to service and willing to engage their fellow students in volunteer efforts.
Total Endowments at UIS
As of February 1, 2008, UIS’ endowment had $10 million in endowment. This represents almost a tenfold increase since 1996.
In the chart below, however, you can see that when we add deferred gifts (which will be added at a future date), our endowment stands at over $20 million.
Questions?
The best source of information on endowed giving to UIS is our gift officers, whom you can meet through the Meet Our Gift Officers link at left. You'll find their contact information through that link. You can also call our office directly at 217.206.6058.
