Ways to Give

Endowments

Endowments FAQ

An endowment is a lasting investment in the future of UNT Health. Gifts are invested, and a portion of the earnings is used each year to support students, faculty, research or programs — creating impact in perpetuity.

Endowment funds are professionally invested to generate annual distributions while preserving the principal. This approach ensures consistent, reliable support year after year, benefiting both today’s learners and future generations. Endowments may be funded outright or over time through a five-year commitment.

True Endowment
A True Endowment preserves the original gift (principal) permanently. The principal is invested, and only a portion of the investment earnings is used each year to support the fund's purpose. Because the principal remains intact, a True Endowment provides support in perpetuity.

Quasi-Endowment
A Quasi-Endowment is also invested to generate earnings; however, the principal remains accessible if needed to fulfill the donor's intent. For example, principal may be used to ensure a scholarship can be awarded at a minimum level each year. Because principal may be spent, a Quasi-Endowment does not necessarily continue in perpetuity.

Establishing an endowment allows you to align your giving with your personal values and priorities. Whether supporting students, advancing research or strengthening a program, your gift creates a permanent source of funding and a meaningful legacy. Endowments may be named in honor or memory of an individual, creating a lasting tribute.

Steps to Creating an Endowment

Step 1: Make Your Commitment
Establish your endowment with a minimum gift of $25,000 through cash, marketable securities or other assets. Five-year pledges are available and require an initial gift of $5,000.

Step 2: Define Your Legacy
Work with a dedicated gift officer to create an endowment agreement that documents your wishes. Together, you'll determine the fund name, purpose, award criteria and other details to ensure your vision is honored for years to come.

Step 3: Create Lasting Impact
Once established, your endowment will provide ongoing support for the causes you care about most. You'll receive annual financial and impact reports and opportunities to see firsthand how your generosity is making a difference.

The UNT Health Foundation manages endowments with a focus on long-term growth and sustainability. Strong oversight through the Foundation’s Finance and Investment Committee ensure that each fund continues to deliver meaningful impact over time. The Foundation’s Board of Directors annually approves a distribution policy after careful consideration of endowment performance and other economic factors.

Endowments provide stability, enable long-term planning and ensure that philanthropic impact continues for generations.

Endowment Levels

Student Support
Endowed support helps reduce financial barriers and attracts exceptional students.

  • General Scholarship | $25,000
    Provides flexible support for student scholarships.
  • Dean’s Scholarship | $100,000
    Supports high-achieving students within a college or program.
  • Presidential Scholarship | $250,000
    Provides significant support to recruit and retain top-tier students.
  • Graduate Research Assistantship | $100,000
    Supports graduate students engaged in research and discovery.
  • Graduate Student Fellowship | $250,000
    Provides substantial funding for advanced study and academic excellence.

Faculty Academic Positions
Endowed positions help recruit, retain, and recognize outstanding faculty.

  • Professorship | $500,000
    Supports faculty excellence in teaching and scholarship.
  • Chair | $2,000,000
    Recognizes established leaders in research and education.
  • Dean’s Chair | $5,000,000
    Provides strategic leadership support at the college level.
  • Faculty Fellowship | $250,000
    Supports emerging faculty and their academic work. 

Colleges & Programs
Endowments strengthen key areas across the institution.

  • General Support | $25,000
    Provides flexible funding for priority needs.
  • Lectureship | $100,000
    Brings expert speakers to enrich the academic experience.
  • Lecture Series | $250,000
    Establishes an ongoing program of distinguished speakers.
  • College Naming | $25,000,000
    Creates a lasting legacy at the highest level of institutional impact. 

Research Endowments
Fuel innovation and discovery that improve health outcomes.

  • Research Acceleration | $100,000
    Supports early-stage research and emerging ideas.
  • Center or Institute Naming | $10,000,000
    Advances large-scale, interdisciplinary research initiatives.