The Kansas State University Foundation’s long-term investment pool (LTIP) increased to more than $912 million as of June 30, 2022.
Year-over-year growth of $51.4 million was a result of generous contributions by donors and a 5.72% return earned on investments. Additionally, the KSU Foundation’s long-term investment pool also posted a 10-year annualized return of 9.25% and a 20-year annualized return of 7.90% in FY22. More than 4,000 endowed funds distributed over $26 million to K-State based on the fund’s donor-designated purpose.
“We are so excited to share these positive returns for the K-State family in a period when stocks and bonds experienced negative returns broadly,” said Lois Cox, KSU Foundation senior vice president of investments and chief investment officer. “Strong investment returns across market cycles helps endowed funds meet the ultimate objective of intergenerational equity — creating sustainable and relevant value across generations.”
Cox leads KSU Foundation’s in-house investment team who manages the LTIP. The LTIP serves as an investment vehicle for all individually endowed funds — permanent gifts designed to grow over time for a specific K-State purpose.
“The investment team is mindful about preserving capital and managing investment risk so that donors’ endowed funds are available for the purposes for which they’re intended,” said Cox.
Donors make a positive impact on K-State when they designate their donation so that its principal remains intact and grows forever. The investment income from permanently restricted gifts is used to support excellence at K-State, both now and for future generations.
“Growing a strong long-term investment pool, including endowed funds, is vital to the current and future success of K-State,” said Greg Willems, president and CEO of the KSU Foundation. “The money provided to the university through endowment distributions supports faculty, students, and high-impact programs that address our global challenges.”
The KSU Foundation’s investment management process is governed by the Asset Management Committee, a standing committee of the KSU Foundation Board of Directors.
“Everyone involved in the governance, research and due diligence of our investment process is keenly aware of the needs of Kansas State University,” said Tim Taylor, chair of the KSU Foundation’s Asset Management Committee. “The investment decisions we make today will generate future earnings that help advance the university’s goals of attracting and keeping highly qualified professors, recruiting and graduating excellent students, and providing resources that champion competitive university research.”
To learn more about the overall investment pool’s performance for the fiscal year, as well as challenges and future opportunities, visit ksufoundation.org/about/asset-management. As Kansas State University’s strategic partner for philanthropy, the KSU Foundation inspires and guides philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State. Visit www.ksufoundation.org/impact/category/release for more information.
