Establishing Endowments Endowed funds may be created for scholarships, fellowships, lectureships, research, professorships, library acquisitions, academic chairs, scientific and technical equipment, capital improvements or any other educational purpose of Florida State University. Donors may use either outright or deferred gifts to establish named endowed funds. The FSU Foundation works with each donor to prepare guidelines for the administration of each named endowed fund. Guideline length and degree of specificity depend upon the donor's wishes and particular circumstances. The State of Florida's outstanding matching gifts program serves as a fine incentive to donors who wish to create named endowed funds. Florida Major Gift Challenge Program The Florida Legislature enacted the Major Gift Challenge Program to encourage partnerships between the private sector and state universities. This program matches private endowment gifts, as funds allow, to support libraries, instruction, and research programs as defined by rules of the Florida Board of Regents. The Legislature appropriates a limited amount of funds, varying annually, to be held in trust for matching private contributions, which are given for approved purposes. Once a gift has been received, the University applies for matching funds. Investment income that is distributed from the total endowment supports in perpetuity the scholarly activities outlined in an agreement with the donor.
Gifts are matched based on the following percentages: $100,000 to $599,000 | | 50% | $600,000 to $1,000,000 | | 70% | $1,000,001 to $1,500,000 | | 75% | $1,500,001 to $2,000,000 | | 80% | $2,000,0001 or more | | 100% |
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