Endowment
A strong endowment ensures that there is an enduring source of funding for immediate and future needs. Endowments grow over time to create a legacy of learning as they extend the impact of your generosity beyond a lifetime. The larger a fund is, the more it can do each year to benefit Central College students.
Endowment Basics
The principal is invested and a portion of the fund’s value is made available each year to support the purpose determined by the donor. Many donors elect to name endowments in honor of a family member, life-changing professors or mentors, to preserve the name of their family or create a personal Central legacy.
Endowments can be created with gifts of cash, securities, and other assets. They can be established through one-time gifts, estate gifts, and multi-year pledges.
The minimum amount required to create an endowment fund is $50,000. Larger amounts are recommended or required for certain purposes to ensure the college can annually fund the activity the endowment is supporting. The advancement office welcomes conversations about other levels of endowment giving as there may be an existing endowment that reflects donors’ interest to which support can be added. Gifts at these levels may offer donors naming opportunities. Donors also may qualify for recognition in our Cornerstone Society, which honors cumulative lifetime giving at various levels.
Next Steps to Create an Endowment Fund
- Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
- Contact Michelle Wilkie at 641-628-5281 or wilkiem@central.edu to discuss endowed gifts.
- If you include Central College in your plans, please use our legal name and federal tax ID.
Legal name: Central College
Located in: 812 University St., Pella, IA 50219
Federal tax ID number: Please contact us for our federal tax ID number.
Endowed Scholarships – $50,000 Minimum
Scholarship endowment is one of Central’s top priorities. Endowed scholarships create a lasting and forever legacy. These scholarships create a permanent and reliable source of income from which scholarships may be awarded.
A direct investment in Central students, endowed scholarships provide significant levels of support, lowering costs for families. These named scholarships are crucial in both attracting strong students and providing funded financial aid, which keeps Central in a position of financial strength.
We are so grateful for our donors and it warms our hearts when scholarship donors are able to connect with the incredible students receiving their support. The Central family is committed to opening doors of opportunity by making education affordable to all who qualify.
An endowed scholarship can be donated as a lump sum, pledged over several years or given as part of a planned gift.
Endowments that are not yet fully funded can be accompanied by current gifts to allow the scholarship to be awarded for the next academic year.
Endowed scholarship donors and their scholarship recipients are invited each spring to Central’s annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner. See a list of current endowed scholarships.
Interested in making a gift? Check out all the ways to give to Central.