Financial Highlights

With total net assets of $237 million the University of Idaho Foundation, Inc. strives to ensure that the University will continue to provide excellence in education and innovation.  During fiscal year 2012, the Foundation distributed nearly $17.7 million to the University of Idaho.  This distribution includes $6.9 million in scholarships to attract and retain the brightest students including 67 National Merit Scholars.  It also makes the dream of a college education available to students who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend, including first generation students which make up one-third of the student population.  $10.8 million went to support the University and its programs by providing funding to reward distinguished professors and researchers, bring in renowned speakers, support building projects, theater, music, and athletic programs, and otherwise enhance the academic and living experience of our residential campus.

Of the $17.7 million distribution, $6.8 million was generated from endowments that support the University.  Endowment gifts provide lasting dependable support for the University of Idaho.  During FY12 gifts to endowments increased by 48% to $6.2 million.  These gifts established 37 new endowments and continued to grow existing endowment accounts.  Endowment gifts are held in perpetuity and annual distributions from investment earnings provide long term intergenerational support.

Endowment funds are managed by the Foundation in a pooled endowment fund, the Consolidated Investment Trust (CIT).  Over $127 million in support for the University has been distributed from endowment earnings since the CIT was established in 1959 including over $107 million in the past 20 years.  The CIT accounts for 84% of the Foundation's total assets.  With an 11.3% three-year annualized total rate of return, CIT ranks in the top 15 percentile of the Cambridge Associates College and University Endowment database.  For FY12 the Foundation Board of Directors authorized an endowment payout of 4.5 percent of the three-year rolling average of the endowment's value.

The Foundation also transferred $10.9 million in current gifts.  This on-going support is crucial for many programs.  Our generous donors are vital to the success of the University of Idaho.  To honor these outstanding individuals and corporations the Foundation was pleased to provide funding for a permanent recognition wall in the entrance of the University of Idaho Administration Building.