A named scholarship is one of the most enduring ways to support students at Washington State University.
By establishing a named scholarship, you create a permanent source of support for students—one that reflects your values, honors a loved one, or celebrates a Cougar legacy. Each year, your scholarship helps students pursue their education with greater confidence, stability, and opportunity.
Named scholarships are endowed funds, designed to provide financial support not just today, but for generations of students to come.
What Is a Named Scholarship?
A named scholarship is an endowed fund established with a minimum gift of $50,000. The fund is invested, and a portion of the earnings is used each year to provide scholarship awards to students, while the principal remains intact.
This structure allows your scholarship to:
- Support students year after year
- Grow over time
- Remain a reliable source of funding, even during times of financial uncertainty
Each named scholarship is guided by a gift use agreement, developed in partnership with WSU, that outlines the purpose of the fund and the student criteria it will support.
Why Endowed Scholarships Matter
Endowed scholarships provide something students—and universities—depend on: continuity.
Because they are permanent funds, endowed scholarships allow WSU to plan responsibly, award consistently, and support students well into the future. They ensure that access to education does not fluctuate with short‑term funding changes, and that students can rely on scholarship support as they progress toward graduation.
For students, this means:
- Greater financial stability
- Fewer disruptions to their education
- The reassurance that someone believed in their potential
For WSU, it means the ability to sustain its land‑grant mission—expanding access, supporting student success, and strengthening the communities we serve.
A Gift That Grows Over Time
Endowed scholarships are designed to grow and adapt alongside the university and its students. Over time, investment earnings help increase the scholarship’s impact, allowing it to support more students or larger awards as resources allow.
This long‑term approach is especially meaningful for donors who are thinking about legacy giving, multigenerational impact, or how their philanthropy can continue working long after their lifetime.
Many donors choose to establish named scholarships through:
- Outright gifts
- Multi‑year commitments
- Estate or planned gifts
How Endowments Work
WSU Foundation endowments are carefully managed to balance current student support with long‑term sustainability. Investment oversight, spending policies, and administrative fees are designed to protect the fund’s purpose and ensure its longevity.
Partnering With You
Creating a named scholarship is a collaborative process. A member of the WSU Foundation team will work with you to:
- Define the scholarship’s purpose and criteria
- Align your goals with student and university needs
- Ensure your gift is stewarded with care, transparency, and respect
In time, many donors also choose to share the story behind their scholarship—connecting students not only to financial support, but to the values and generosity that made it possible.
Begin the Conversation
If you are considering a named scholarship, we invite you to start a conversation with our team. Together, we can explore how your philanthropy can open doors, change lives, and create a lasting Cougar legacy.
For any questions regarding named scholarships at WSU, or if you are wanting to get started, please reach out to Tara Howe, Senior Director Central Scholarships.
