At Ohio Wesleyan we're fond of saying, "It's a great day to be a Bishop!" Indeed, every day at OWU is filled with triumphs in the classroom, internships, travel-learning opportunities, service experiences, the arts, athletics, and much more.
Ohio Wesleyan is proud to partner with thoughtful donors who help create the tomorrow of OWU as well as the futures of our students.
Endowed funds are the foundation upon which those tomorrows will be built.
Ohio Wesleyan empowers students to change the world thanks to endowed funds made possible by donors who share our commitment to long-term success. Gifts to establish endowed funds for scholarships and financial aid, experiential learning, and faculty development sustain the educational mission of OWU and create a legacy for generations of future Bishops.
The endowment is one of our most powerful financial tools, and through the continued generosity of alumni, parents and friends, along with considered investment decisions, OWU's endowment is in a position of strength.
We will continue to push forward into the future propelled by the lasting legacy of endowed funds and generosity to OWU. We are grateful for the investment of OWU alumni, parents and friends in Ohio Wesleyan and in generations of future Bishops.
Endowed funds are gifts that are permanently invested to supply a steady, annual source of funds for a purpose specified by the donor. The gift principal is invested and a payout is generated each year to support the purpose designated by the endowment. The payout is based on a Board-approved rate. Any remaining earnings beyond the established payout rate are returned to principal, so the fund can grow.
Endowments can support many areas of the University:
Endowed funds are often named in honor of a donor or loved one and can also be a powerful way to involve family in philanthropy.
Some of the most powerful endowed funds are left without restriction as to use, allowing the University to adapt to changes in higher education and address emerging priorities.
When you give to OWU's endowment, your funds are invested for the long-term and exist in perpetuity. A portion of the interest income is used for the purpose designated by the endowment terms, while the remainder is reinvested, allowing the fund to grow and provide for the future. OWU's endowment is managed by professional fund managers and investment oversight for all endowment funds is managed by the Board of Trustees.
As of June 30, 2024, the value of OWU's endowment was more than $302 million. Since 2012, OWU's endowment has grown by 75%. OWU ranks in the top 10% by endowment size of all U.S. higher education institutions.
An endowed fund is established through a simple Endowment Agreement signed by the donor/s and the University which establishes permanent guidelines for the use of the fund earnings.
After the endowed fund is created, the donor/s (and/or designees) receive a report each year which provides updates on their endowment, financial health of the University and the use of the funds. Endowed fund donors also receive invitations to special events at the University.
Endowed funds support a variety of areas of Ohio Wesleyan, and the amount varies by the type of endowment and the type of impact the donor would like to have. A minimum of $50,000 is required for all endowments at Ohio Wesleyan. Ohio Wesleyan has endowments ranging in size from $50,000 to $5,000,000+, depending on the type of endowment and the impact the donor would like to have.
Gifts of cash, appreciated stock, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, and grants from Donor Advised Funds all make for excellent giving vehicles to establish an endowment. Gifts of assets such as apreciated stock also carry tax advantages.
Gifts to create an endowed fund can be paid over a pledge period as needed and as determined by University policy.
"We are so appreciative of our time at Ohio Wesleyan and we are excited to be able to provide a real world experience to a current student. We are proud that OWU is providing unique programs to help students prepare for life after college. We were even fortunate to meet our student at a recent event at Ohio Wesleyan."
-Randy Wortmann '64 and Nancy Thomson Wortmann '65
"I realized that it was both possible and easy to begin supporting a student financially. Moreover, a scholarship does not have to be huge to generate a big return. Giving is exhilarating. One's gift benefits a student personally and immediately. AND it is perpetual!"
-Nancy Knapp Spain '64