Endowment Process

Endowed funds can be created with a minimum of $50,000 payable over five years, or through a future gift, a bequest or from your estate. Consult a development professional with University Development for details.

Development staff will work with you to establish guidelines for your Michigan State endowment to assure that your wishes and the needs of the university are simultaneously met. These guidelines can be personalized to recognize the unique interests and intent of each gift, as well as create the opportunity to name the endowment after you, in honor of your family, or in memory of someone special.

After your MSU endowment has been invested for one full calendar year, a portion of the income earned is available for spending, while the remainder is added to the principal. This allows the endowment to grow over time and safeguard against market volatility. 

With your gift or pledge to create an endowment, you will automatically be eligible for recognition in one of MSU’s presidential donor societies, which acknowledge outstanding contributions of $50,000 or more to MSU and its many programs.