Endowment

The Board, like many families, has essentially three financial accounts. It has a 'checking account' to hold a small amount of money used for current expenses (e.g., office supplies, printing costs). It has a 'savings account' which holds money not needed in the short-term but set aside for reasonably predicted future expenses (e.g., the scholarships to be paid out at the end of the next school year). And it has the 'endowment' - money that the Board believes can safely be set aside and tied up to ensure the long-term viability of the Foundation.

The Foundation has created the endowment over the years of its operation. The endowment is a fund created by the transfer of contributions received through routine unrestricted contributions or through contributions specifically designated for the endowment. The endowment is intended to be "protected" - that is, the Foundation can use the earnings from the endowment to fund its activities, but it does not intend to dip into the endowment itself.

For example, suppose that the endowment fund contains $500,000. Suppose that it is invested wisely and earns 5% annually in dividends and interest. That would be $25,000 which the Foundation could add to its general funds and allocate according to current needs and priorities. The $500,000 would remain untouched and hopefully 'donate' $25,000 again next year.

Money can move into the endowment in two ways:

1. a funding shift made by the Board, or
2. a restricted donation.

As of the end the end of fiscal year 2014, the endowment stood at $503,000 providing for a more secure future the the Friends of South High Foundation.

To make a donation now, click on the GiveMN button to the right. To mail in a donation, click here to get a form you can print, complete, and mail in.

For more information about making a donation to the endowment, you can send an email to the Foundation office or send a letter to

South High Foundation
ATTN: Contributions
3131 19th Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55407