What is an endowment?
An endowment is a financial contribution of donated funds to provide long-term support to a university or organization.
Currently, the ASWU endowment is approximately $400,000. Around 2.5% of the endowment is invested annually.
ASWU Background:
The Endowment was created by student investments via ASWU in 2004 and has experienced continuous deposits since. Each year a portion of student fees that are discretionary ASWU funding go into the endowment.
In April 2025, the ASWU Senate voted unanimously to separate the ASWU endowment from the university’s larger endowment.
Currently, is held in trust by the University (Board of Trustees via management) and while it is a separate account, it is not managed differently, and the money is subject to their discretion.