An endowment fund is a critical component of an independent school’s financial stability, planning and growth. It is a long-term investment in which the principal amount (comprised primarily of donations) is invested and remains unspent while the perpetual interest income becomes an important funding source for the school.

ISP has two types of endowment funds: unrestricted and restricted. Unrestricted funds can be used at the discretion of the school to fund the greatest needs of the organization in any given year. Restricted funds are designated for a specific purpose (student financial aid, teacher professional development, the library, technology, etc.).

A robust endowment is critical to the long-term health of International School of Portland. It affords the school flexibility in planning, provides a safety net, creates budget relief, and makes a ISP education attainable for more families.

Endowment Funds strengthen our community by promoting social-economic diversity through need-based scholarships, allowing us to invest more in our teachers’ professional growth, and broadening educational opportunities for our students.

The Endowment Committee of the Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight of International School of Portland’s endowment assets. The Committee is charged with allocating investment funds consistent with the school’s Investment Policy, reviewing the returns on investment assets, and reporting on fund performance. The Endowment Committee monitors ISP’ compliance with the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act.

International School of Portland’s Investment Policy can be obtained by request from the Development Office.

You will receive an annual report on the endowment fund that you support. Your personalized report will include both a review of the fund’s investments, performance and pay outs as well as a description of how your gift was put into action and the impact it has had our students, teachers and school.

Gifts of any size make a tremendous difference. Donors can make a gift of any amount to the ISP unrestricted endowment fund, or any of the existing restricted endowment funds that are meaningful to you and your family.

To establish your own named endowment fund, restricted to a specific purpose, we request that you make a minimum contribution of $25,000. This amount can be paid at once, pledged out over a number of years, or created as part of your estate planning.

You can make an outright gift to the school in the form of cash or appreciated securities. You can also make a pledged donation payable over a number of years.

Leaving a bequest or other estate gift to the school is another wonderful way to make an enduring contribution to the students and teachers of International School of Portland.  More information on that opportunity is available here.