Accounting

Pooled Gifts

A pooled gift is a donation made to the university with the understanding that the "capital" or "principal" amount of the donation will be invested in perpetuity. The principal is invested and only the earnings are spent via what is called a payout.

Key Criteria for Establishing a Pooled Gift

To establish a pooled gift, we require a letter from the donor(s) stating that they want the donation to be an endowment and restrict the use of the investment income. In addition, the university requires a minimum principal value donation of $50,000. If that donation is spread over multiple payments, a fully executed endowment pledge of $50,000 is required for the account to be considered an endowment.