Endowment Gifts - Gaston College Foundation

Endowed funds are donor established investment accounts created to offer lasting financial support to Gaston College students, faculty, staff, departments and programs. Named endowments can be established for a minimum gift of $10,000 and can recognize a donor, an area of study, or someone who a donor wishes to honor in perpetuity.

Once an endowed fund’s assets reach the minimum gift level, the interest earned is used to award scholarships and further academic programs of Gaston College in accordance with the donor’s gift intentions and the Foundation’s spending policy.

To-date, 52 endowed funds have been established with the Gaston College Foundation. As of December 2017, the Foundation’s endowed asset value is approximately $7.3 million.

Gifts that Keep On Giving

Scholarship Funds

Endowed scholarship funds help students reach for the stars. Without the burden of financial worries, students are able to focus on their studies and complete programs faster so that they can get get to work or go on to further their education without delay.

For many of our students a scholarship is the single most important factor that they cite as the difference maker in their academic success.

In collaboration with Foundation staff, donors may establish parameters for their scholarship recipients.
Faculty Development Funds

Having state-of-the-art facilities is important to student success at Gaston College, but having faculty who are knowledgeable and engaged in their furthering their own academic pursuits is even more critical. Our faculty work hard to stay abreast of emerging trends in their fields and the Foundation is happy to support their efforts.

Endowments whose generated income is designated for faculty and/or staff development support excellence in the classroom and throughout the college.
Facility Support Funds

Past Foundation board chairman, Bob Tull, was instrumental in securing the funds necessary for the recent construction of the Center for Advanced Manufacturing.

As an army veteran from humble beginnings who was able to gain an education through the GI bill, Bob strongly believed that education serves as a catalyst for a brighter future in both the lives of students and the communities within which they live and work. As a mechanical engineer by training, and a retired plant manager within one of our region’s largest manufacturing employers, Bob was keenly interested in the programs of study that are located in the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Gaston College. He believed in Gaston College’s mission and made the institution a much stronger and more vibrant place because of his commitment.

Upon his passing, his widow, Maureen established The Bob Tull Endowment for Advanced Manufacturing. The purpose of this endowment is to provide ongoing financial support for Gaston College programs taught within the Center for Advanced Manufacturing which are involved in the education of our region’s manufacturing workforce.

Endowed funds that generate designated support for facilities and other capital needs help to underwrite critical expenses that may not be covered by allocated state funds which are very limited.
Unrestricted Funds

The William M. and Ira Blanch Robinson Endowment Fund was established through a bequest by William Marcus “Bill” Robinson. The fund honors Bill’s memory as well as that of his sister Blanche. His will directed that income from the fund be used to assist needy and deserving students and for the unrestricted use as the Gaston College Board of Trustees may direct.

Endowed funds that generate unrestricted support for the College help meet the most critical needs of the institution.
Establishing an Endowed Fund

Named endowed funds are a wonderful way to honor or memorialize a loved one in perpetuity.

Endowed funds may be established with a minimum gift of $10,000, which can be gifted over a five-year period. The donor determines the parameters under which the fund is established and named.

Sample Endowment Agreement

If you are interested in establishing a named fund, please contact the Foundation office at 704.922.6511.

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