Scholarship endowments are long-term investments in the success of Purdue student-athletes. These gifts are held in perpetuity and invested to protect the principal over time, with annual distributions providing a reliable funding source for scholarships.
As college athletics evolves, scholarships remain one of the most important tools for supporting student-athletes. The removal of scholarship limits has created new opportunities across Purdue Athletics, particularly for Olympic and non-revenue sports. Expanded scholarship flexibility allows programs to strengthen rosters, improve continuity, and better support student-athletes academically and athletically.
Endowed scholarships play a critical role in this environment by providing permanent, long-term resources that support student-athletes year after year. These investments ensure sustained excellence while helping Purdue recruit, retain, and develop championship-caliber teams.
Our John Purdue Club staff can help you determine the most effective way to structure your gift and align it with your philanthropic goals. Endowment agreements, signed by the donor and Purdue, ensure that your gift is administered in accordance with your wishes in perpetuity.
The minimum to create a scholarship endowment is $50,000. The distribution is 4%.
Full-ride scholarship endowments provide a transformational impact for Purdue student-athletes while offering enhanced priority point benefits.
Gifts to full-ride scholarship endowments earn 2 John Purdue Club priority points per $100.
Pledge commitments also earn priority points, including:
1 point per $100 upfront
1 point per $100 for each pledge payment
Minimum commitments for full-ride scholarship endowments are:
$1 million for in-state student-athletes
$1.5 million for out-of-state student-athletes
Endowment income, including interest, dividends, and capital appreciation, is distributed semi-annually. Distributions are based on a percentage of the average ending market value of the endowment over the prior 12 quarters. This approach helps protect against short-term market fluctuations while providing consistent support for student-athletes.
Tax benefits vary depending on the type of asset and method of giving. Donors may be eligible for income tax deductions, reduced capital gains liability, or estate tax benefits. We recommend consulting with your financial advisor to determine the best approach for your situation.
For more information on endowments at Purdue University, click here.
