Endow

Endow is a transitive verb meaning to provide with a permanent source of income or material support, often to benefit a person, organization, or cause. It can also describe arming a person or thing with a particular quality or ability, as in “endowed with courage.” The noun form endowment refers to the gift itself or the funds established by the gift.

The word derives from Middle English endowen, from Old French endower, and ultimately from Latin dotare, meaning to furnish with a dowry. In modern usage, endow emphasizes a lasting or durable provision, as opposed to a one-time donation.

In philanthropy and nonprofit finance, an endowment is a fund created when donors contribute assets to be invested in perpetuity, with its income used for a stated purpose. Endowments are common in universities, hospitals, museums, and religious institutions. The assets are managed by investment committees, and annual spending (often a fixed percentage of the fund’s value) supports chairs, scholarships, research, or general operations. Endowed gifts may be restricted by donor stipulations and are designed to provide long-term financial stability.