Endowments
An Enduring Legacy for GW
GW's endowment is low relative to our size and the resources of our competitors. Our real estate is almost entirely our campus and does not bring in revenue. GW is strong, but not rich and that is why the University needs the support of alumni, parents, and friends.
Individual endowments represent the legacy of benevolent donors who invest for long-term growth. These funds convey in a very personal way the benefactor’s values and ideals about the importance of education. And daily, their permanent legacies generate funding that influences current and future generations.
Whether it’s a merit- or need-based scholarship fund to support promising students, a prestigious faculty position that attracts world-class educators or a program that reflects the benefactor’s passion, an endowment is timeless because the dollars are not “spent” like cash-reserve funds. Nor is the original endowment fund value ever depleted. Instead, the investment income earned from an endowment advances the strategic vision of the donor.
To learn more about how you can express your vision in the most significant, enduring way, contact Jennifer Riordan, director of Stewardship, jriordan@gwu.edu or (202) 994-9432.
- What does GW's endowment support?
- What is the value of GW’s endowment and how is it invested?
- How does the endowment increase in value?
- What is the recent history of GW endowments?
What does GW’s endowment provide for?
The 1,100 individual endowments that comprise The George Washington University’s consolidated pooled endowment provide perpetual funding for instructional and research support, professorships, scholarships, and facilities.
What is the value of GW’s endowment and how is it invested?
Thanks to careful financial stewardship and the generosity of alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents and friends, the endowment grew more than fivefold from 1988 to 2008. It held a value of $1.256 billion as of June 30, 2008. To learn more about the endowment, visit GW’s Investment Office webpage.
How does the endowment increase in value?
While investment returns help to fuel the growth of GW’s endowment, the addition and appreciation of gifts are more important over the long term. Regular, recurring contributions effectively lower the endowment’s cost basis, reduce risk and enhance performance. Over time, market volatility “averages out” as the fund increases in value.
What is the recent history of GW endowments?
During the past five years, 201 new endowments were created with almost $90 million in gifts and transfers. GW pools these individual endowments for investment purposes, with the goal of preserving and enhancing the endowment’s purchasing power while providing a relatively stable source of income to meet the University’s needs. In fiscal year 2008, the endowment provided $49 million for GW’s activities.
Memorial Endowment pays tribute to beloved professor and wife
This endowment is a fitting tribute to Charles R. Naeser, PhD, former chair of the Department of Chemistry, and his devoted wife Emma, who were committed to GW and the success of its students through 41 years of service.
Endowment honors GW Trustee and role model
Lydia Thomas was recognized for her accomplishments as an engineer and role model for young women with a permanent legacy in her honor- the Lydia W. Thomas Scholarship Endowment.
The GW Experience
Students
All in the Family
Greg and Heather Hachenburg talk about their undergraduate experience at GW, one of many sibling pairs to share in the Colonials legacy.
Creating Next Generation Leaders
GW program helps female students connect with leading women across a variety of fields and develop their roles as future women in leadership.
Where the City is a Classroom
Freshman volunteers experience life beyond Foggy Bottom...
Faculty
Fighting Neglected Diseases
GW professor works to eradicate diseases that affect the health, education and economic development of the world's poorest people.
Building the Super Computer
Pioneering lab puts GW at the forefront of high-speed computing and offers GW students unprecedented access to science and skills of the future.
Blast From the Past
Students map an ancient—and dramatic—eruption as part of a geological research program in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
Alumni
Giving Back to the District of Columbia
D.C. public health director calls GW education the foundation of his career.
GW Opens Doors
A chance encounter with a GW alumna helped give one GW undergraduate, an aspiring broadcast journalist from Texas, his big break.
The Legend Lives On
The $2 million bequest commitment caps a lifetime of philanthropy and service to GW, establishing the Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Professorship in Theoretical Physics.