Endowed Gifts

An endowed gift is a donation given with the intent to preserve the original value of the gift and to grow it over time.The annual distribution is spent according to the donor’s wishes. Through this dedicated stream of income, an endowed gift ensures stable support for teaching and research, student aid, and many other academic programs and activities. Donors are encouraged to work with fundraisers to design the most meaningful gift to meet their goals.

Contact Us About Making an Endowed Gift

Endowed Scholarships

Endowed scholarships are long-term, perpetual funds that generate annual income, a portion of which is awarded each year to deserving students. The minimum principal required to endow a scholarship is $10,000, which you may provide through a one-time gift, by a pledge over time, or by bequest. At the time the scholarship is fully endowed, a pre-established portion of the income will be used to make the annual scholarship awards.

The Foundation’s current policy allows five percent of the principal balance to be awarded each year. Contributions from any source may be added to scholarship endowments at any time.

Benefits of establishing an endowed scholarship include:

• You determine the selection of criteria within appropriate affirmative action and tax guidelines.
• You will be notified of the recipient(s) each year and receive a letter of thanks from the recipient(s) and possibly the opportunity to visit with your student!
• The endowed scholarship will always be a part of Southeast Missouri University Foundation and benefit countless numbers of students.
• You or anyone else may make additional contributions to increase the endowment. All gifts are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
• The Foundation handles all administration of the scholarship. But, you can inquire at any time about the status of the scholarship.

View the Current Endowed Scholarships

Scholarship Information

Southeast awards approximately 2,000 endowed scholarships, totaling over $2 million annually. All admitted students are automatically considered for these scholarship opportunities.

Creation of endowed scholarships occurs when a donor gifts money to Southeast to create a scholarship fund. These donors may be alumni, businesses, community members, faculty/staff or other individuals who want our students to succeed academically and financially.

Beginning freshmen are considered for these awards as part of the regular financial aid process; awarding for fall semeste begins the previous December and continues until the fall semester begins. Continuing Southeast students will automatically be considered and notified upon selection. While not required, completion of the FAFSA is recommended since some endowed scholarships require demonstrated financial need, as indicated by the FAFSA.

Although a separate application is not required for Endowed Scholarships, admitted students may receive a notification that they meet the requirements for certain awards that require additional information.

Restricted Scholarships

Restricted scholarships are funds awarded each year by the Foundation to deserving students. Funding for the scholarship can be one-time or annual. Restricted scholarships provide the opportunity for donors to name the scholarship in their honor, in memory of a loved one, or a business or organization. Donors are also allowed to establish the criteria for awarding the scholarship.