An endowment is a gift that is placed in a permanent fund. All three A&M fund-raising organizations (Foundation, Association, 12th Man) accept endowed gifts. After you make the gift, it is invested. Some of its income is disbursed for the purpose you designate. The remaining income goes back into the fund, helping its value stay ahead of inflation. This ensures that endowments will always provide the same benefits as they did when first created.

For example, a gift of $505,000 created the Blocker Chair in Business Administration in 1981. Even though the endowment has helped support 20 years of work by a top faculty member, its value today is $1.2 million. With careful investments as a hedge against inflation, the Blocker Chair will remain a powerful force in the future of Texas A&M.

Endowment donors may name their endowments for themselves, their companies, family members or friends. For example, the Cullen Trust for Higher Education funded the Sidney Smith '44 Endowed Fellowship in honor of its retiring chairman, a class of 1944 A&M graduate.

Choosing an Endowment Type

• Endowments for Academics & Leadership:
  The Texas A&M Foundation manages major gift endowments for educational (academic and leadership) programs. This type of endowment requires a gift of at least $25,000. You may fund your endowment over a period of one to five years or though an estate gift. Multiple donors may contribute to the same endowment. The foundation provides a gift agreement to document the purpose, form, schedule and administration of your gift. Contact the Texas A&M Foundation for assistance.
• Endowed Century Club:
  You can become an Endowed Century Club member by funding a $25,000 endowment over five years with The Association of Former Students. These unrestricted endowments support alumni services and key A&M educational and leadership programs.
• Endowments for Student Athletes:
  Contact Travis Dabney at the 12th man Foundation.
• Unrestricted Endowments:
  You can specify your gift as "unrestricted" and allow A&M administrators more flexibility in using your gift. This allows the office you designate, such as the university president or a college dean, to respond quickly to new priorities.