The solid foundation I received at UW has opened many doors for me. I think it is important to give while you are ‘alive and taking nourishment,’ and it will be such a joy to see the new building on its completion.

Mary Behrens (’64 BS Nurs)

Endowments

Some of the most effective and far-reaching gifts are those given to create an endowment. Endowed funds are critical to the financial stability of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The present and future revenue streams that endowed funds generate allow colleges and departments to hire faculty, implement programs, advance research and support outstanding students.

An endowment is based on an initial gift of substantial size that in turn provides annual income earnings generated by investment of the principal. With an endowment fund, your gift is invested with other gifts to maximize its value. Annual amounts are distributed to the program you have designated, while the fund principal remains to provide support in perpetuity. It is a gift that lasts virtually forever.