Endowed and Capital Giving

DePauw’s long-term strength and ability to provide a high-quality, residential, liberal arts education rely considerably on the University’s endowment.

Endowed gifts often establish scholarships and professorships or provide ongoing support for a specific academic, athletic or co-curricular program. 

DePauw’s endowment is a composite fund made up of contributions by many donors, past and present, who have chosen to invest in DePauw’s mission. The annual income available to DePauw from an endowed gift is approximately five percent of the gift’s market value. 

Throughout its nearly 180-year history, DePauw’s alumni and friends have established more than 900 endowed funds to ensure the continued education of future scientists, artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders.

Gifts of any amount may be made to an existing endowment. Gifts of at least $100,000 to establish a new permanent, named endowment can be made over a period of three to five years with revenue designated for:

• Unrestricted Support for the University
• Student Life, such as scholarships, internships and study abroad
• Faculty Support, such as professorships and fellowships
• Program Support, such as visiting speakers, equipment and technology funds

Capital gifts maintain and improve DePauw’s physical environment including trees, lighting and walkways, buildings, classrooms and equipment.

Our environs are a key component of the DePauw Experience, not merely the background. They are the means through which we provide the best possible version of the DePauw academic and social experience.

The appearance of DePauw’s campus—including historic East College and the Indiana limestone Emison Building, bucolic green spaces and the native tree canopy, state-of-the-art media, music and athletic facilities —is one of the hallmarks of DePauw and a primary means through which the University attracts leading students and educates them to be engaged and knowledgeable citizens of the world.

Supporting the campus and facilities includes gifts for:

• Academic Buildings and Campus Facilities
• Grounds
• Equipment and Technology

Gifts designated for Campus and Facilities help:

• preserve the architectural and organic beauty of campus;
• improve accessibility with elevators, ramps, and assistive technology in classrooms, libraries and labs; and
• explore and implement sustainability initiatives to make the University more energy efficient and conservationist.

Gifts in-kind are donations of materials or assets directly related to the mission of the University or readily convertible to cash to support the DePauw’s mission. 

Examples include tangible property such as equipment, hardware, real estate, and artwork or other personal collections. Intangible or intellectual property includes such things as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

A discussion with a University official can determine if DePauw is able to accept your proposed in-kind gift. 

Memorial and in-honor gifts provide many options for recognizing a loved one, professor or staff member through your philanthropy.