ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

Endowed scholarships, which exist in perpetuity, create a legacy and testament that lasts from one generation to the next. Endowed scholarships provide the means to memorialize loved ones, respected friends or colleagues by naming the endowed scholarship in their honor.

As the donor establishing an endowed scholarship, your legacy is a living testament that demonstrates your commitment to education. Support from an endowment can be directed toward a particular discipline or to students who demonstrate characteristics or talents that resonate with your principles and standards.

At USF St. Petersburg, named, endowed scholarships require a minimum investment and can be established through a single gift or over a specified period of time, with annual gifts. Endowments can also be established through a bequest or trust remainder at the time of death. Endowed scholarships can originate from a single source or through the efforts and support of many different people.

Since your endowed fund is designed to last in perpetuity, the principle in the account is invested and a portion of the earnings is awarded as scholarships. The balance of the earnings is reinvested into the principle in order to maintain the original level of support as envisioned by the donor. USF St. Petersburg, through the USF Foundation, utilizes an investment philosophy that accomplishes the University’s goals and your goals as a donor. The investment philosophy considers all asset classes; reduces risk through diversification; and selects the portfolio with the highest return within an acceptable level of risk.

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships funded through annual contributions are a viable alternative to the endowed scholarship. These scholarships require a smaller minimum commitment and because they do not exist in perpetuity, each must be funded annually for the scholarship to continue. Many donors have established annual scholarships in the form of tuition or textbook awards to students who have achieved academic excellence or experience unexpected financial challenges. Annual scholarship support has also offered students the opportunity to travel to academic conferences, participate in leadership development programs, and study abroad.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO PREVIOUSLY ESTABLISHED OR UNRESTRICTED SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTS

Donations to existing scholarships or to the USF St. Petersburg General Scholarship Fund are an important way to enhance existing scholarship opportunities. A full listing of these scholarships can be found at Scholarship Brochure or by calling the Office of Development at 727-873-4824.

The USF St. Petersburg General Scholarship Fund awards scholarships annually based on merit and financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA.) In some cases, the University will work with donors to identify students in a particular discipline or group in addition to academic performance and need criteria.