At Canisius, students experience state-of-the-art living and learning environments, outstanding academic programs, unique research and internship opportunities, faculty from the best universities nationwide and enhanced extracurricular programs.
However, tuition and fees do not cover the actual cost of a Canisius education. That’s why each year, 87 percent of students receive scholarship support beyond state and federal aid.
Endowments for scholarships, as well as academic programs and professorships, provide dependable funds, year after year, for their designated programs.
"Without your generosity, all of my experiences and self-growth that I have been able to enjoy would not have been possible. It is because of people like you, those that give out of the kindness of their heart to better others, that is what truly makes a difference." - Connor Gust '17 - Recipient of the Robert G. & Elisabeth Wilmers Scholarship
Setting Up An Endowed Scholarship
Establishing an endowed scholarship is one of the most enduring and meaningful ways an individual or organization can impact the lives of Canisius University students. That’s because an endowed scholarship is a permanently invested fund that provides a perpetual source of scholarship assistance to deserving young men and women.
Our Endowed Scholarship Program is designed to achieve returns that provide both current scholarship assistance and longer-term growth to protect against inflation. So, for a minimum gift of $50,000, you can create a fund that will support scholarships for generations to come.
And our students truly appreciate your generosity. In fact, students who receive scholarships often become donors themselves after graduation.
Your endowed scholarship may be named in your honor, or in memory of a friend or loved one. Although unrestricted awards provide the best opportunities to assist students who need them the most, donors may set general guidelines on how they would like to see their scholarships awarded.
Our Jesuit mission calls us to be more, do more, and give more back to the world. Establishing an endowed scholarship fund at Canisius University is the perfect way to put those ideals into action.
For additional information on endowed support at Canisius University, contact Mary Ellen Bakowski, Director of Legacy Gifts and Stewardship, at (716) 888-2235 or @email.
The Promise of Stewardship
Your gift plays an integral role in putting a Canisius education within reach for deserving students. In the spirit of showing our gratitude, we take the role of properly stewarding your gift very seriously:
- Gifts will be acknowledged in a timely and personal manner.
- Gifts with restricted purposes will be used for that sole purpose.
- For all endowed scholarships, annual reports will be shared each year with the donor.
- Gifts will be accounted for using generally accepted accounting principles, which will provide a consistent, timely, and accurate reporting of all gifts into the University's official financial record.
Q&A
What is the minimum commitment required to endow a scholarship?
The minimum commitment to endow a scholarship is $50,000. Payments can be spread over a multi-year period. Additional gifts from any source are welcome at any time. In fact, many donors choose to include additional funding for their scholarships in their estate plans.
How much money is available from an endowed fund each year for scholarships?
Annual scholarship awards generally equal five percent of the rolling five-year average market value of the fund. A $50,000 endowment would yield approximately $2,500 in the first year.
Can I select which student(s) will receive my scholarship(s)?
Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and/or financial need. We will work with you to set certain broad additional guidelines or criteria as to how you would like to see your scholarship awarded but, in accordance with federal guidelines, the final decision is made by the university.
Will I be able to meet the scholarship recipient(s)?
Yes. Opportunities are provided throughout the year for you to meet scholarship recipients. In addition, you will receive an annual report of the status of your scholarship fund, including information about the students who have benefitted from your generosity.
Can I name the scholarship?
Yes. Endowed funds allow donors to create a lasting legacy at Canisius. Typically scholarships are named in honor of the principal donor(s) or in honor of a loved one.
Can I create a scholarship through my will?
Yes. We can provide you or your attorney with appropriate wording to include in your will. It is helpful to have a signed endowment agreement in place ahead of time to ensure the university can fully honor your wishes regarding the scholarship name and criteria.
Are donors recognized for endowing a scholarship?
Yes. Canisius awards scholarships in the names of donors or their designees; hosts an annual gathering where donors and student recipients become acquainted; engraves scholarship names on a prominently displayed plaque; recognizes donors in the University's annual giving report and features scholarships on the website and in other publications.
For additional information, please contact the Office Advancement at 716-888-8218.
