What is an endowed scholarship?

An endowed scholarship is a gift (cash, securities, life insurance, real estate, etc.) to the BSU endowment, which is managed and invested by the BSU Foundation. Once the fund reaches the minimum required level, which is currently $10,000, a specified percentage of the market balance from the Fund, based on a multi-year average, is made available for the award. The initial gift can be given over time, and others may make contributions to the Fund any time. While this form of gift may offer a tax advantage (please consult with your tax advisor), the primary advantage of an endowed scholarship over other kinds of gifts is that once the fund is fully endowed, it will exist in perpetuity. This form of giving is a great way to help future generations of SSPA students while honoring or a memorializing someone special in the donors life. Endowed scholarships are also a way for alums to give back to their alma mater, or to leave a legacy, and to make a positive impact on the future of the College.

Do I have to endow a scholarship in order to contribute to the College?

There are many ways to make a gift to the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs (see Methods of Giving). Basically, gifts fall into two broad categories — annual and planned. Annual gifts, as the name suggests, are usually cash contributions given one or more times each year. We encourage donors to make a gift every year in order to make a difference every day. Annual gifts can be directed according to the donor’s wishes. A planned gift involves a wide variety of giving vehicles that allow donors to give to the College during their lifetime or after their death, while meeting current income needs and providing for heirs. Planned giving may be done in conjunction with estate planning and is a viable option for all donors regardless of income or assets.

I don’t have a lot of money or resources. How can my gift of a few dollars make a difference to the College?

Gifts of all sizes are welcomed and appreciated! The College’s goal is to help donors help the College in whatever manner they see fit. Many donors want to assist students in defraying the cost of attending the University. Some donors want to contribute to a department or discipline. A lecture or line of research may be of interest to a contributor. A gift of $5 or $5 million both make an impact on the College.

To repeat — gifts of all sizes are welcomed and appreciated! Think of it this way — what if a 1000 people gave $25 to the College? For that amount of money, dozens of students could attend a conference where they present their research. That same $25,000 could almost cover the annual travel costs of the Talkin’ Broncos, the 2005 National Forensic Champions (now there is a return on the investment!). For $25,000 the College could support a graduate student including the cost of on-campus housing. The list of opportunities is virtually unlimited.

What are the current priorities for the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs?

The current priorities of the College include:

• Endowed chairs and professorships
• Dean’s Distinguished Professor
• Institute for Urban & Regional Planning
• Anthropology Field School and Desert Studies Institute
• SSPA Dean’s Fund
• Endowed Scholarships

Can I designate how my gift is used?

Donors can designate many of the conditions on how their gifts will be used. Endowed scholarships may be directed toward a specific discipline or department. The award may be based on factors such as academic performance or financial need. Unrestricted gifts may be made to the College or one of its departments. We encourage donors to make annual gifts to the College or to department of their choice.