Endowment

An endowment is a university’s financial cornerstone, the core of its ability to fuel progress in research, patient care, and teaching. Through allowing an institution to be less dependent on unpredictable sources of revenue, such as research sponsorship or government aid, endowments ensure that promising programs, individuals, and initiatives have the continual, steady support they need to take the intellectual risks that can pay off in monumental leaps in knowledge.

The endowment consists of funds given to Johns Hopkins that are invested in perpetuity. Endowed funds can be unrestricted, providing a resource that can be used to meet current  university priorities and exciting new opportunities as they arise, or can be designated for specific purposes, including scholarships and fellowships; professorships, directorships, and deanships; academic or research programs; and facility maintenance. 

A portion of the return is distributed to university priorities and designated programs, while the remaining portion of the return is reinvested back into the principal for market growth. This allows for endowment to provide both immediate funding and long-term financial security for the institution, ensuring that the fund will continue to benefit future generations of scholars, faculty, and patients.

Establishing an endowment is an act of great generosity and vision.  Donors who decide to create an endowment do so because they understand the importance of supporting the institution not only during their lifetime, but for generations to come. These visionary individuals, families, and organizations build an extraordinary resource. Many donors choose to establish an endowed fund in order to honor a loved one, or to memorialize an important figure in their life, ensuring that their name and generosity will forever be a guiding force in our institution’s success.

For additional information on the Johns Hopkins endowment, call the Office of the Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at 410-516-8184.