Supporting the Endowment

A strong endowment is the financial backbone of any institution of higher education. This is particularly true at Oberlin, where the endowment provides a predictable and stable stream of income to the operating budget each year.

The Oberlin College endowment is a collection of approximately 1,350 separate funds established to provide scholarships; purchase and maintain library, art and other collections; support professorships and research efforts; and other activities, including maintenance of facilities and support for specific programs. Endowed gifts are made with the knowledge that the intended impact of the gift will last into the foreseeable future.

A minimum outright gift of $50,000 is generally required to establish a new named endowed fund. Funds intended for specific purposes have higher minimum amounts. Estate gifts and income-generating gifts can also be designated to the endowment, but may carry additional restrictions. Most existing endowed funds are open to gifts from anyone. Additional gifts to existing memorial funds can be an appropriate way to honor a family or program.

Donors who wish the college to invest their gifts in socially responsible funds have that option. The Vanguard Calvert Social Index Fund Institutional Shares and the Calvert Social Investment Equity Fund were added to Oberlin’s endowment in 2001 as alternative investment vehicles for college donors. For more information, please contact the Office of Leadership Giving.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about outright gifts to the endowment, contact the Leadership Giving staff at giving@oberlin.edu  or call (440) 775-8545 .

If you have a question about property, estate, or income-generating gifts, our Gift Planning staff is at your service at gift.planning@oberlin.edu  or (440) 775-8599 .