Endowments and Scholarships

The FSU Foundation provides over 90% of the funding for recipients of the FSU scholarship program touching the entire academic community. A complete listing of scholarship programs may be obtained through the FSU Financial Aid Office. The FSU Scholarship Committee and Departmental Awards Committees are responsible for determining and awarding scholarships in accordance with University, State and Federal regulations.

Students are required to maintain satisfactory progress towards a degree to be considered eligible for an award. Criteria are generally in accordance to the wishes of the donor(s) subject to approval from the University.

Establishing an Endowment or Scholarship
FSU Foundation investments are prudently managed by a team of professional investment managers monitored by an FSUF Investment Committee.

Endowed Programs
An endowment requires a minimum principal balance of $10,000 which may be accomplished by a pledge over a period of not more than seven years. Endowed programs may be established over a given period of time. Only the earnings from the principal are awarded and memorialized in a trust agreement with the donor(s). Special recognition is given to contributors of endowed funds by the FSU Foundation.

An advantage of establishing an endowed program is knowing that the fund will be carefully monitored in perpetuity to ensure that any special conditions or provisions relating to the gift and its original intent are carried forward. Tax benefits include an income tax deduction for immediate gifts and other possible benefits from the use of trusts.

Planned or deferred gifts may also be used to establish an endowed fund. Awards are given in units of $500 with all earned income used for the award or returned to the principal for future fund growth. The endowment has an annual rate of return considered to be above average with a strategy to provide a conservative return and long-term growth.

Annual Awards
Some groups and individuals make annual contributions to award programs. The FSU Foundation facilitates the process by collecting and administering the dollars to the University and the recipients.

Annual awards are required to maintain a fund balance of $500 and provide a minimum of $500 for annual award. To name an award a five-year commitment is required and no awards can be made in advance of receiving payments.