Endowment Administration 

Endowments are funds that are donated to be held in perpetuity and invested, with only the earnings spent to support the endowment purpose. The principal/corpus of the fund is held in perpetuity.

As of Aug. 31, 2023, the UT System Board of Regents hold more than 17,000 Board-approved endowments with a market value of $13 billion that provide a reliable, long-term funding source for purposes such as student scholarships, faculty support, research and many other purposes as designated by the donor. Additionally, more than 1,900 endowments are held by external fiduciaries for the benefit of UT institutions. Endowments are a great way to provide financial support in perpetuity.

Because of the “forever” nature of endowments, it is important to have written documentation of the donor’s intention and terms for the endowment. Our office is pleased to provide draft agreements for the UT institutions to share with their donors for their consideration. All endowments are submitted to the Board of Regents for official acceptance and investment.

Endowment FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding establishing endowments:

How much is required to create an endowment?

The UT System minimum funding level is $25,000; however, several of the institutions have opted to set higher minimums. Donors should connect with an institution-based fundraiser to determine the minimum levels for endowments at each institution.

Do I have to complete funding all at once?

Donors have the option of fulfilling their commitment over a period of up to five years.

How are endowments invested?

All endowments held by the Board of Regents are managed by The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company (UTIMCO), and almost all are invested in the Long-Term Fund (LTF), a pooled fund in which units are purchased by each individual endowment. A set amount of earnings from each endowment is distributed quarterly to the benefiting UT institution, to be spent toward the designated endowment purpose.

Is a fee charged on endowment gifts?

There is no fee charged against individual endowment gifts. In connection with the administration and management of the endowment funds, an allocation may be made each year to each UT institution based on that institution’s entire endowment pool, in an amount of up to .80% (80 basis points), to be used by that UT institution to support efforts to enhance the institution’s philanthropy.

Endowment Compliance

Since its inception in 2001, the UT System Endowment Compliance Program has evolved into a national model for ensuring that donor intent is followed for the thousands of endowments held by the UT System Board of Regents and the UT-affiliated foundations. The program was designed to focus on strengthening stewardship; promoting compliance with endowment agreements, laws and policies; increasing effective use of available resources; creating greater transparency; and improving reporting to donors and UT leadership.

The program requires that each UT institution annually reviews and updates a risk assessment and reports on whether endowment earnings are being spent or are accumulating excessively. The program also monitors reporting to donors and training made available to institution staff to ensure that endowments are being administered in accordance with donor intent.

For more information or questions regarding the endowment compliance program, please email Jean Bennett, Director of Endowment Compliance and Development Operations, or call 512-579-5142.