For over 40 years, NACUBO has conducted a study on institutional endowments designed to answer key questions in how these financial tools are used. Over the years, this has become the largest study of its kind, offering a comprehensive set of data for policy makers, parents, students, and the broader community in how their institutions are using endowed funds. 

This week, NACUBO’s Director of Research and Policy Analysis, Ken Redd, joins us to report findings in the 2016 report. If you remember Kenn’s report on this show from last year at about this time, no, things have not improved. The trend toward spending in the short term is shaking the foundation of a long-held cultural belief in generational equity, and the new administration in Washington brings with it considerable uncertainty. This week on NACUBO In Brief, Ken and Megan break down the current state of endowments with key areas of focus for finance leaders in the coming year. 

• NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments