Endowment distributions fuel ground-breaking work that extends beyond campus to enrich lives worldwide. Our careful investment approach yields persistent, reliable results and amplifies the impact of our endowed gifts.
Our endowment’s growth and performance
The value of our endowment has steadily grown while making annual distributions to support philanthropy. We continually refine our portfolio to meet today’s challenges and embrace future opportunities.
The endowment’s long-term investment performance consistently ranks in the top quartile of more than 600 college and university endowments and foundations, as reported by the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
What are endowment designations?
K-State’s endowment supports initiatives ranging from student wellness programs to the establishment of a new accounting school. But there are important guidelines that govern how and when these funds can be used.
Our endowed funds are generally organized into three primary categories: restricted, quasi-restricted and unrestricted.
Most of our endowment — about 75% — is restricted funds that are donated for a specific purpose such as a scholarship, targeted research project or endowed faculty position. Funds are used as the donor wished when the endowed fund was established.
Quasi-restricted funds account for approximately 15% of our endowment and are earmarked for a broader purpose, such as university infrastructure improvements.
Unrestricted funds are just that: unrestricted with regard to where they’re applied. They make up only about 10% of the endowment.
Annual distributions power K-State’s boldest initiatives
Each year, we distribute 4.3% of the endowment’s average three-year market value, providing a consistent and reliable stream of support. In fiscal year 2025, this amounted to nearly $44 million for initiatives like:
Pioneering research that draws us closer to breakthroughs in curing cancer and finding sustainable ways to feed a growing global population.
Endowed professorships that attract world-class educators who inspire and mentor the next generation of leaders.
Scholarships that help students chase their dreams without being burdened by overwhelming debt.
Cats’ Cupboard, our campus food pantry, which fights food insecurity and ensures no Wildcat goes hungry.
Distributing funds over time
As the market value of the LTIP grows, so do the endowment’s distributions — and the impact they make at K-State.
The 4.3% distribution rate of the market value's three-year average smooths out year-over-year market fluctuations to generate predictable and steady funding. Our globally diversified, all-weather investment portfolio is purposely designed to deliver reliable returns — even in turbulent times.
Why don’t we spend more in prosperous years? By capping distributions at a sustainable 4.3%, we ensure that K-State’s mission will be supported — at today’s level or higher — far into the future. These prudent practices also give our endowment a chance to grow substantially during strong markets.
Targeting the right return
We set an annual return target of 7.8%. This benchmark covers the 4.3% distribution and various management costs while adjusting for inflation, thereby preserving and steadily increasing the endowment’s value.
The amplified impact of endowed gifts
You’ve seen the numbers, now learn about the real-life Wildcats who are making a difference thanks to support from our endowment.
APDesign Introduces the Strautman Family Fellowship
An endowed gift by John and Kate Strautman supporting fifth-year fellowships across the college.
The ongoing gift
Having benefited from an investment in their education, the Wiltfong brothers and their family create an endowed scholarship to support future rural veterinarians.
Cultivating curiosity
Former K-State faculty plant seeds for the future with new endowed chair.
Walking the talk
Leanne and Steve Caret invest in K-State's Center for Principled Business by creating an endowed directorship position.
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