Helping Education Foundations Invest Like Universities
“Raising Excellence” LinkedIn Newsletter Issue August 21, 2025
Most education foundations raise real money for their districts, but many of those dollars sit quietly in checking or savings accounts. The intent is good, keeping funds safe and accessible, but the tradeoff is costly. Instead of compounding for the future, these dollars often earn just a few percent. That leaves foundations leaning heavily on new fundraising year after year.
At The Endowment Project Foundation, we first focused on helping individual schools create their own endowments. As our work expanded with education foundations, a new opportunity became clear. Many foundations asked if we could help them put their existing dollars to work. We saw the potential right away. By giving foundations access to the same investment tools used by universities and large nonprofits, their dollars could create far greater impact for students.
What we built We created a pooled investment program designed for education foundations. By combining resources nationwide, even smaller foundations can now access endowment-level returns, professional management, and lower fees.
Here is what makes it different:
Better alignment. An education first strategy with clear sub funds so donor intent is always respected
More autonomy. Your board keeps control of policy, spending, and grantmaking
Long term strategy. Diversified portfolios built for growth, not just preservation
Why it matters Consider this example. A foundation that leaves two million dollars in savings at 2 percent might earn $40,000 in a year. That same two million invested in a long term pool at 8 percent could distribute $80,000 annually and still grow the principal. Over time, the difference compounds into millions, creating real and lasting support for students.
How to get started If your foundation is ready to put its dollars to work, the path is straightforward.
Review your balances and goals with us
Create or update your investment policy
Move into the pooled portfolio and begin building for the future
To learn more or schedule a conversation, reach out to us at mbor@endowmentproject.com.
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