Bluffton University

Endowed scholarships

Named endowed scholarships, established by alumni, emeriti and others, are a vital part of every Bluffton student’s financial aid package. As of 2023, there are 370 named endowed scholarships that together provide up to $470,000 annually in non-repayable aid.

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Establish a named endowed scholarship

The minimum required to establish a fully funded endowed scholarship is $25,000. Additional contributions from the original donor, friends and family are welcomed.

To establish a scholarship, donors must make an initial gift of $5,000 or more, and make a written commitment to fund the balance within four years. The scholarship will not be recognized publicly until fully funded, with the first scholarship presented 18 months later.

Donors are welcome to establish preferences for what type of student, major or hometown receive their scholarship, with the university making the final determination. For instance, the Dale and Carolyn Dickey Memorial Scholarship provides “an annual scholarship for qualified students, as deemed most appropriate by Bluffton. Preference will be given to students studying communication, religion or with an interest in ministry.”

If the scholarship is not fully funded, gifts will be added to an unnamed scholarship endowment fund.

For more information about establishing a named endowed scholarship, contact Julia Szabo, development associate, at szaboj@bluffton.edu or 419-358-3245.