Establish an Endowment

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Pay it forward, for today’s students and for generations to come. Annual investment earnings from donor-funded endowments provide an ongoing source of income that helps CMU attract top scholars and professors and deliver outstanding programs and educational experiences. 

The principal funding you provide to start the endowment is never spent. Additional funds donated to your endowment — by you or others — also are permanently protected. Principal funding is invested and professionally managed.​.

Endowed student scholarships

Scholarships help CMU compete for the best and brightest students and address the financial need faced by many students. They attract students, improve classroom experiences and student achievement, and advance CMU's reputation as a learner-centered institution.

When you create an endowment, you help determine whether it's for students who have financial needs, have excelled academically or are going into a specific program, for example.

Endowed faculty positions

CMU's reputation is grounded in professors who share a commitment to both teaching and applied research or creative activity that enhances student learning. Faculty endowments are used to:

  • Support research activities and supplement faculty salaries
  • Provide faculty with release time to create new courses and write textbooks
  • Expand programs through visiting scholars and professionals

There are three types of faculty endowments:

  • Endowed Faculty Awards provide financial recognition to outstanding faculty and usually are used for professional development.
  • Lectureship Series/Artist in Residence Endowments provide honoraria and expenses for visiting faculty lectures or performances or for residencies that last up to a year.
  • An Endowed Professorship typically is awarded to an outstanding junior-level faculty member. An Endowed Chair — the most prestigious faculty award — usually goes to a full professor. Most professorship and chair awards last five years.

Endowments for buildings, equipment and programs

Endowments may support construction of new buildings or maintenance of existing facilities. They may give students access to the latest technologies or support programs by enhancing learning in the classroom and beyond.

Unrestricted endowment funds

Unrestricted funds give CMU flexible resources to address areas of greatest need. These funds may support, for example, the acquisition of advanced equipment or technology, creative activities, research, or scholarships.

If you're interested in starting an endowment or learning more, email Jeremy Mishler, deputy chief of advancement and campaign strategies, or call him at 989-774-3312.