The future of K-State is shaped by the investments we make today. We’re building a stronger K-State to support world-class education and research opportunities for generations to come.
The purpose of our endowment
- To provide dependable support for our people and programs. These include scholarships, faculty, strategic initiatives and building upkeep and construction.
- To grow steadily. Sound investment practices help us replenish what we use so our endowed gifts will eventually double, triple or more over the years to support generations of K-Staters!
How the endowment works
K-State’s endowment consists of investments in equities, real estate, natural resources, cash and other various specialized strategies that are held in either the long-term investment pool — which accounts for approximately 80% of the entire endowment value — or the expendable funds pool.
The long-term investment pool
- Grows over time through careful investment
- Provides steady funding for scholarships, faculty and programs
- Lasts for generations — and is not intended for short-term spending
The expendable funds pool
- Functions like a checking account for immediate needs
- Gives departments flexibility to respond to emerging priorities
- Supports day-to-day operations, while the LTIP stays focused on the future
When a gift is made, it forms the principal. This principal amount is protected and invested to increase over time.
A portion of the fund’s value is distributed to campus each year, but the principal remains unspent to ensure future payouts.
Frequently asked questions
The KSUF investment team manages our endowment in collaboration with the Asset Management Committee, a standing committee of the KSU Foundation Board of Directors, which is the policy-making and fiduciary arm of the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees.
Learn more about the value and performance of our endowment.
Learn more about the ways the endowment supports K-State every year.
Because our focus is on steady, long-term results, we make a fixed distribution to K-State no matter what the market is doing. This way, the people and programs it supports can depend on it year after year, even in difficult times.
Additionally, we’re responsible for ensuring endowed gifts are used for the intended purposes of each donor. Learn more about restricted designations.
Our investment policy requires endowed gifts to be a minimum of $50,000. There’s a one-year holding period to generate returns on investments. This ensures the first distribution doesn’t diminish the initial principal balance of the gift.
Learn more about asset allocation and investment practices.
Contact a gift officer
Contact a gift officer to learn more about creating a lasting legacy for generations to come through an endowed gift.
Emily Topjon Development Manager
785-775-2089
emilyt@ksufoundation.org
Alyssa Keller Senior Digital Development Officer
785-775-2204
alyssak@ksufoundation.org
Megan Rohr Digital Development Officer
785-775-2045
meganr@ksufoundation.org