Reasons For Giving to Penn State

Higher education today presents more opportunities for learning, innovation, and experience than ever before. In an age of declining public support and rising costs, private philanthropy is essential for sustaining the quality of a Penn State education and for making its benefits available to all. On this site you can learn more about some of the opportunities for philanthropic support that now exist at Penn State.

Some common ways to support Penn State include:

Endowments

• Endowments are held by the University in perpetuity. The initial gift is invested, and a portion (typically about 5%) of the fund's market value is awarded annually for the purpose designated by the benefactor.

Future Funds

• Unrestricted gifts to Future Funds allow deans, department heads, and other senior administrators to address the most urgent needs, such as scholarships, program enhancements, and travel funds. There is a University-wide Future Fund as well as individual Future Funds for each college, campus, and select program.
  

Annual Gifts

• Support to the Annual Fund provides vital operating support through gifts at every level.