Endowment Fund

GIFTS THAT ENDOW OUR FUTURE

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an endowed fund?

Endowed funds are created when a donor instructs Sage to invest a gift to generate spendable resources in perpetuity to fulfill the donors intent. The gift is invested as part of a pool of similar funds, with the objective to generate as much spendable income as possible for Sages benefit, now and in the future. As a permanent fund it is often named for the donor(s) or other entity.

How do I create an endowed fund?

Creating a named endowed fund at The Sage Colleges is an easy process. You will work closely with our Institutional Advancement staff to establish a payment schedule, terms, and details of your endowed fund in order to create a lasting vehicle which will carry out your wishes.

How much do I need to start an endowed fund?

Creating a named endowed scholarship fund at The Sage Colleges requires a minimum $50,000 investment which may be payable in increments of up to a five year period. Other endowed opportunities are shown in the table below:

Type

Minimum
Funding Level

General Endowment
(unrestricted support for scholarships, and academic programs)

$25,000

Named Facilities and Equipment Fund (building maintenance and upkeep, new equipment and equipment repair)

$25,000

Named Scholarship
(supports tuition and other educational expenses)

$50,000

Named Research Fund
(supports a faculty or graduate student research project)

$50,000

Named Faculty Development Fund
(supports professional travel and other activities for faculty)

$50,000

Named Lectureship or Residency
(travel and honoraria for distinguished speakers or performers, marketing and related expenses)

$100,000

Named Faculty Fellowship
(supports salary, research and travel stipend)

$250,000

Named Professorship
(supports salary, research and travel stipend)

$500,000

Named Chair or Distinguished Visiting Professor
(supports salary, research, travel stipend, and other professional expenses)

$1,000,000

How can I fund an endowment?

You can establish an endowed fund in the following ways:

  • cash donations
  • securities donations
  • making a bequest in your will
  • donating the proceeds of a life insurance policy
  • creating a charitable remainder trust
  • a combination of the above options

Corporate and Foundation sponsors may establish an endowed scholarship in their name, or they may choose to assist their employees to establish an endowment through a matching funds program.

Members of a family or group -- regardless of whether they went to Sage -- can join together to create the establishment of a Family or Group Scholarship. For instance:

A $50,000 endowed scholarship over five years may be funded by:

  • 2 contributors - $5,000 each per year for 5 years
  • 3 contributors - $3,333 each per year for 5 years
  • 4 contributors - $2,500 each per year for 5 years

Does my company's matching gift count as part of my contribution to start an endowed fund?

Yes, if your company allows you to restrict your gift to your endowed fund.

Can I make additional gifts to my endowment?

You may add to your endowed fund at any time.

Can others make additional gifts to my endowment?

Yes, friends and relatives may wish to add your endowment. Your desired wishes as spelled out in the endowed fund agreement will continue to govern the administration of the fund no matter who donates to it.

Can I select the student who receives my scholarship?

Contributions for these purposes may be recorded as gifts only if Sage has the final decision as to their disposition or selection of the recipient; any gift requiring donor approval as to its disposition or as to the selection of the recipient, or any gift for which a specific recipient is designated, may not receive credit as a charitable contribution under tax laws.

What's my next step?

To establish an endowed fund, contact Shelly Goldman Black, at (518) 244-2393 or (800) 898-8452, or email goldms@sage.edu.