Frequently Asked Questions

A non-endowed fund, unlike an endowed fund, allows the entire principal and earnings to be used for immediate grantmaking or other charitable purposes, rather than being invested and preserved for the long term. The key characteristic of a non-endowed fund is its flexibility. The entire balance, including the original gift and any subsequent earnings, is available for use, meaning grants can be made of any size at any time. Non-endowed funds are often used for annual giving, donor-advised funds, or nonprofit reserves, rather than creating permanent resources for the community. In contrast, endowed funds are designed to be invested and their earnings used to support a cause or organization, with the principal remaining intact and intended to last indefinitely. 

Consists of the original corpus (gifts) and reinvested income. The book value represents the money used to buy units (or shares) of the longterm investment pool and is used to determine when an endowed fund reaches term and becomes a true endowment. Book value is also called Historical Dollar Value.

Spendable income, in the context of your endowed fund, refers to the portion of the endowment's investment returns that the university is authorized to use for the fund's designated purpose. This amount is typically determined by a spending policy, often a percentage of the endowment's market value averaged over a period of time, ensuring a balance between current needs and the endowment's long-term growth. This is the portion of your investment that directly supports the areas you've chosen to benefit.

If you have questions, or would like to learn about ways to deepen your connection with Bucknell, I would be delighted to connect with you.

Jessica Owens Pastuszek
Director, Stewardship & Donor Relations
[email protected]
570-577-3144