In today’s higher education landscape, university endowments are more critical than ever before. These permanent funds provide a steady source of financial support for scholarships, faculty, facilities and mission-aligned initiatives. A strong endowment demonstrates how disciplined growth, clear priorities and donor trust can transform an institution’s future.
Why Endowments Matter
Endowments serve as financial engines for universities, powering everything from annual scholarships to program enhancements. A well-managed endowment:
- Generates stable, long-term revenue, enabling predictable annual support.
- Helps fund initiatives such as programs, endowed faculty positions and student scholarships.
- Encourages confidence from donors and partners, reinforcing a university’s sustainability.
Most importantly, endowments ensure that a gift made today continues to support students and programs in perpetuity.
The Olivet Foundation: Fueled by Donor Support and Investment Growth
Founded in 1969, The Olivet Foundation exists to support the mission of Olivet Nazarene University through responsible management and growth of its endowed funds.
While student scholarships remain the cornerstone of endowment giving, program support continues to be an area of expanded focus — a move that enhances the University’s academic competitiveness and student experience. The most recent 12-month report ending June 30, 2025, illustrates a period of exceptional momentum:
- A transformational $2.9 million in new endowed gifts for program support, including funding for the chair of the School of Engineering, reflects a growing interest in academic program endowments.
- A record $3.3 million in new gifts has been given for student scholarships.
- The number of endowed accounts with over $100,000 has grown from 66 to 147 in the past decade — with nine of them exceeding $1 million.
- Additionally, the Foundation achieved an impressive 15% return in 2024, following a 17% return in 2023. Even amid recent market turbulence, it has maintained a 7.5% return over the past 12 months, showing consistent growth and resilience.
- And, over the last decade, net assets have more than doubled even after annual distributions, underscoring the Foundation’s long-term sustainability.
Donor support and strong financial performance have enabled The Olivet Foundation to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students for decades. And, for the 2025–2026 academic year, the Foundation will distribute a record $2 million-plus for scholarships and an additional $480,000 for program support.
Looking Ahead
Because of faithful ministry partners, The Olivet Foundation is well positioned to make a lasting impact for generations to come. An endowed gift is more than a financial contribution; it is a powerful expression of faith, vision and lasting generosity. Whether directed toward scholarships, academic programs or faculty positions, these investments exemplify how mission-driven stewardship can shape lives now and into the future.
To explore how you can leave a legacy through an endowed gift and further Olivet’s Christ-centered mission, contact the Office of Development at Development@Olivet.edu or 815-939-5171.
Read the entire “Doing Something Good Together” issue here.
