Endowment
A strong endowment ensures an enduring source of funding for immediate and future needs. Endowments grow over time to create a legacy of excellence as they extend the impact of generosity beyond a lifetime. The larger a fund is, the more it can do each year to benefit Central College students and enable them to do a world of good.
Endowment Basics
The principal is invested, and a portion of the fund’s value is made available each year to support the purpose determined by the donor. Many donors elect to name endowments in honor of a family member, life-changing professor or mentor, to preserve the name of their family or create a personal Central legacy.
Endowments can be created with gifts of cash, securities and other assets through one-time gifts, estate gifts and multi-year pledges.
The minimum amount required to create an endowed fund is $50,000. Larger amounts are recommended or required for certain purposes to ensure the college can annually fund the activity the endowment is supporting. The advancement office welcomes conversations about other levels of endowment support as there may be an existing endowment that reflects donors’ interest where funds can be directed. Gifts at these levels may offer donor naming opportunities. Donors also may qualify for recognition in our Cornerstone Society, which honors cumulative lifetime giving at various levels.
Create an Endowed Fund
- Seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor.
- Contact Michelle Wilkie at 641-628-5281 or wilkiem@central.edu to discuss endowed gifts.
- Please use our full legal name and federal tax ID when making plans.
Legal name: Central College
Address: 812 University St., Pella, IA 50219
Federal tax ID number: Please contact us for our federal tax ID number.
Michelle Wilkie
Director of Development
wilkiem@central.edu
Endowed Scholarships – $50,000 Minimum
Many donors choose to create endowed scholarships to directly support Central students. These scholarships create a permanent and reliable source of income from which scholarships may be awarded every year — providing incredible levels of support by lowering costs for families, attracting strong students and keeping Central in a position of financial strength.
Donors have the incredible opportunity to get to know their student scholarship recipients at our annual Scholarship Celebration Dinner. This opportunity to network and connect is an impactful event for the Central family.
Endowments that are not yet fully funded can be accompanied by current gifts to allow the scholarship to be awarded for the next academic year.
Interested in making a gift? Check out all the ways to give to Central.
