Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Financial endowment Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Financial Endowments: Principles, Practices, and Perspectives

Cheat Sheet:
Financial Endowments: Principles, Practices, and Perspectives Study Guide

Endowment Fundamentals

A financial endowment is designed to be spent down entirely within a decade.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fundamental principle of a financial endowment is its perpetuity; the corpus is intended to be preserved indefinitely, with only a portion of the earnings spent annually.

Return to Game

The 'corpus' of an endowment refers to the annual earnings generated by the fund.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'corpus' of an endowment refers to the principal amount of the fund, which is intended to be preserved in perpetuity, typically adjusted for inflation. The annual earnings are the income generated from this corpus.

Return to Game

Standard annual spending for US endowments is typically between 4% and 6% of assets.

Answer: True

Explanation: The standard annual spending rate for endowments in the United States generally falls within the range of 4% to 6% of their assets.

Return to Game

A financial endowment's corpus is intended to grow annually without any spending.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary intention for an endowment's corpus is preservation, often adjusted for inflation, while a portion of its earnings is spent annually according to a prudent policy.

Return to Game

What is the primary goal concerning the principal (corpus) of a financial endowment?

Answer: To preserve the inflation-adjusted value of the principal in perpetuity.

Explanation: The fundamental objective for the corpus of a financial endowment is its preservation in perpetuity, typically adjusted for inflation, while utilizing the generated earnings.

Return to Game

What typically happens to endowment earnings that exceed the standard annual spending rate (4-6%)?

Answer: They are reinvested to augment the endowment's principal.

Explanation: Earnings exceeding the standard annual spending rate (4-6%) are typically reinvested to augment the endowment's principal, ensuring its long-term growth and preservation.

Return to Game

What is the core principle regarding the spending of endowment earnings?

Answer: A portion of earnings can be spent annually according to a prudent policy.

Explanation: The core principle is that a portion of endowment earnings can be spent annually, guided by a prudent spending policy, while preserving the corpus.

Return to Game

Historical and Institutional Applications

Hospitals and museums are examples of institutions that do not typically manage financial endowments.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hospitals, museums, academic institutions, and charitable organizations are among the primary types of institutions that commonly manage financial endowments to ensure long-term financial stability and support for their missions.

Return to Game

Marcus Aurelius established the first endowed chairs for philosophy in Rome.

Answer: False

Explanation: Marcus Aurelius established the first endowed chairs for philosophy in Athens, not Rome, in AD 176.

Return to Game

Waqf in Islamic law involves donating assets for perpetual benefit, similar to endowments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Waqf in Islamic law is a form of charitable donation of assets for perpetual benefit, functioning analogously to the concept of endowments in Western legal traditions.

Return to Game

Lady Margaret Beaufort established endowed chairs in England in the 18th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Lady Margaret Beaufort established the first endowed chairs in England in the early 16th century (1502), not the 18th century.

Return to Game

Regius Professorships were created by King Henry VIII in subjects like divinity and law.

Answer: True

Explanation: King Henry VIII established the Regius Professorships at Oxford and Cambridge in subjects including divinity, civil law, Hebrew, Greek, and physic.

Return to Game

Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking both held the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both Isaac Newton, who held the chair starting in 1669, and Stephen Hawking were distinguished holders of the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge University.

Return to Game

Endowed professorships primarily serve to increase the number of undergraduate courses offered.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowed professorships primarily serve to attract and retain distinguished faculty, support research, and provide academic leadership, rather than solely increasing undergraduate course offerings.

Return to Game

Endowed faculty fellowships are designed to support tenured professors nearing retirement.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowed faculty fellowships are typically designed to attract and retain promising new or junior professors, fostering their development in teaching and research.

Return to Game

Endowed scholarships can only be awarded based on financial need.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowed scholarships can be awarded based on various criteria, including merit, financial need, or a combination thereof, as determined by the donor or institution.

Return to Game

Endowed fellowships for graduate students typically only cover tuition fees.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowed fellowships for graduate students often cover tuition fees and may also include a stipend, and sometimes require teaching or research duties.

Return to Game

A charitable foundation's main role is to directly provide services to the public.

Answer: False

Explanation: While some foundations directly provide services, their primary role is often to provide funding and support to other charitable organizations through grants.

Return to Game

Endowments can provide funding for secondary and elementary school districts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Endowment funds have been established to provide financial support for secondary and elementary school districts, often funding projects or scholarships beyond the tax base.

Return to Game

The first endowed chairs in England were established by King Henry VIII.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first endowed chairs in England were established by Lady Margaret Beaufort in 1502; King Henry VIII established the Regius Professorships later.

Return to Game

Endowed professorships are typically funded by annual donations rather than a permanent capital sum.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowed professorships are funded by a permanent capital sum, the earnings of which support the professorship, rather than by annual donations.

Return to Game

Who established the first endowed chairs for philosophical schools in Athens?

Answer: Marcus Aurelius

Explanation: The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius established the first endowed chairs for philosophy in Athens in AD 176.

Return to Game

What is Waqf in Islamic law?

Answer: A donation of assets for perpetual religious or charitable purposes.

Explanation: Waqf in Islamic law is a donation of assets, such as property, intended for perpetual religious or charitable purposes.

Return to Game

Lady Margaret Beaufort is credited with establishing the first endowed chairs in England in which century?

Answer: 16th Century

Explanation: Lady Margaret Beaufort established the first endowed chairs in England in the early 16th century, specifically in 1502.

Return to Game

Which monarch established the Regius Professorships at Oxford and Cambridge?

Answer: King Henry VIII

Explanation: King Henry VIII established the Regius Professorships at Oxford and Cambridge.

Return to Game

Besides Isaac Newton, who is mentioned as a notable holder of the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics?

Answer: Stephen Hawking

Explanation: Besides Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking is mentioned as a notable holder of the prestigious Lucasian Chair of Mathematics at Cambridge.

Return to Game

How do endowed professorships provide financial flexibility to universities?

Answer: By covering faculty salaries, freeing up other funds for different uses.

Explanation: Endowed professorships provide financial flexibility by covering faculty salaries, thereby freeing up institutional funds for other critical academic or operational needs.

Return to Game

What is the primary purpose of an endowed faculty fellowship?

Answer: To attract and retain promising new or junior professors.

Explanation: The primary purpose of an endowed faculty fellowship is to attract and retain promising new or junior professors by providing financial support and recognition.

Return to Game

Endowed scholarships can be awarded based on which criteria?

Answer: Merit or financial need

Explanation: Endowed scholarships can be awarded based on merit, financial need, or a combination of both, depending on the donor's stipulations.

Return to Game

What is a key difference between endowed fellowships and scholarships for graduate students?

Answer: Fellowships often include a stipend and may require teaching/research duties.

Explanation: A key difference is that endowed fellowships for graduate students often include a stipend and may require teaching or research duties, beyond just covering tuition.

Return to Game

What is the primary function of a charitable foundation?

Answer: To provide funding to other charitable organizations through grants.

Explanation: The primary function of a charitable foundation is typically to provide funding to other charitable organizations via grants, although some may engage in direct service provision.

Return to Game

How can endowments support secondary and elementary schools?

Answer: By providing funding for projects or scholarships not covered by the tax base.

Explanation: Endowments can support secondary and elementary schools by providing funding for projects or scholarships that exceed the resources available from the tax base.

Return to Game

Financial Management and Ethical Considerations

Invading an endowment means spending funds in a way that respects the donor's original intent.

Answer: False

Explanation: Invading an endowment refers to spending funds in a manner that contravenes the donor's original intent or restrictions, often necessitating legal intervention or modification under doctrines like cy-pres.

Return to Game

Establishing an endowed professorship typically costs less than $500,000 at major research universities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Establishing an endowed professorship at major research universities typically requires a substantial financial commitment, generally ranging between US$1 million and $5 million.

Return to Game

The 'dead hand' problem refers to the difficulty in accessing endowment funds during economic downturns.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'dead hand' problem refers to the inflexibility of donor control over funds long after their death, potentially making them unresponsive to changing needs, not difficulties in accessing funds during downturns.

Return to Game

Endowment hoarding involves reducing payout rates during economic downturns to preserve capital.

Answer: True

Explanation: Endowment hoarding describes the practice of reducing payout rates during economic downturns to preserve capital, which can sometimes exacerbate financial stress for the supported institutions.

Return to Game

Endowment repatriation advocates for concentrating wealth within elite institutions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowment repatriation advocates for the redistribution of wealth and control towards affected communities, rather than concentrating it within elite institutions.

Return to Game

Impact investing focuses solely on maximizing financial returns, disregarding social impact.

Answer: False

Explanation: Impact investing aims to generate both measurable positive social or environmental impact alongside financial returns, not solely financial returns.

Return to Game

Endowment taxes are typically imposed to encourage more charitable giving.

Answer: False

Explanation: Endowment taxes are sometimes imposed when endowments are criticized for acting as tax shelters or depriving governments of revenue, not to encourage charitable giving.

Return to Game

Endowments are a source of capital for private equity and venture capital funds.

Answer: True

Explanation: Endowments are a significant source of capital for private equity and venture capital funds, serving as key institutional investors in these sectors.

Return to Game

Divestment campaigns aim to increase investments in unethical industries.

Answer: False

Explanation: Divestment campaigns aim to pressure institutions to sell off investments in unethical companies or industries, not to increase such investments.

Return to Game

Frederick Goff established the first community foundation to address the 'dead hand' problem.

Answer: True

Explanation: Frederick Goff established the Cleveland Foundation, the first community foundation, specifically to address the 'dead hand' problem by creating a more responsive model for philanthropic funds.

Return to Game

Impact investing aims to generate social or environmental benefits exclusively, without regard for financial return.

Answer: False

Explanation: Impact investing seeks to achieve both measurable social or environmental benefits and a financial return, not exclusively benefits without financial consideration.

Return to Game

What does the term 'invade' mean in the context of endowment management?

Answer: To spend funds in a way that violates the donor's specified restrictions.

Explanation: In endowment management, 'invade' refers to the act of spending funds in a manner that contravenes the donor's specified restrictions or original intent.

Return to Game

What is the typical minimum cost to establish an endowed professorship at a major research university?

Answer: 1,000,000

Explanation: Establishing an endowed professorship at major research universities typically requires a substantial financial commitment, generally ranging between US$1 million and $5 million.

Return to Game

The 'dead hand' problem in philanthropy refers to:

Answer: The inflexibility of donor control over funds long after their death.

Explanation: The 'dead hand' problem refers to the inflexibility of donor control over philanthropic funds long after the donor's death, potentially hindering adaptation to contemporary needs.

Return to Game

What behavior does 'endowment hoarding' describe, especially during economic downturns?

Answer: Decreasing payout rates to preserve capital.

Explanation: Endowment hoarding describes the practice of decreasing payout rates during economic downturns to preserve capital, potentially impacting institutional support.

Return to Game

The concept of 'endowment repatriation' advocates for:

Answer: Returning accumulated assets to the control of affected communities.

Explanation: Endowment repatriation advocates for the return of accumulated assets to the control of communities historically affected by the accumulation of wealth.

Return to Game

What is the dual objective of impact investing?

Answer: Generating social/environmental impact and financial return.

Explanation: The dual objective of impact investing is to generate both measurable social or environmental impact and a financial return.

Return to Game

Under what conditions might endowment taxes be imposed?

Answer: When endowments are criticized for acting as tax shelters or depriving governments of revenue.

Explanation: Endowment taxes may be imposed when endowments are perceived as tax shelters or when they deprive governments of potential revenue.

Return to Game

Endowments are identified as a key type of institutional investor in which financial sectors?

Answer: Private equity and venture capital.

Explanation: Endowments are identified as key institutional investors providing capital for private equity and venture capital sectors.

Return to Game

What is the goal of divestment campaigns related to institutional investments?

Answer: To pressure institutions to sell off investments in unethical companies.

Explanation: Divestment campaigns aim to pressure institutions to divest from companies or industries deemed unethical or harmful.

Return to Game

What problem did Frederick Goff aim to solve by establishing the Cleveland Foundation?

Answer: The 'dead hand' problem of rigid donor control.

Explanation: Frederick Goff established the Cleveland Foundation to address the 'dead hand' problem, aiming to create a more flexible and responsive philanthropic model than rigid, founder-dictated funds.

Return to Game

Notable Endowments and Global Scale

As of June 2021, Harvard University possessed the world's largest academic endowment.

Answer: True

Explanation: As documented, Harvard University's endowment was valued at $53.2 billion as of June 2021, making it the largest academic endowment globally at that time.

Return to Game

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had the highest endowment value globally as of December 2022.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of December 31, 2022, the Novo Nordisk Foundation held the highest global endowment value ($167 billion), with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ranking second ($67.3 billion).

Return to Game

The 2008 economic downturn caused Harvard's endowment value to increase significantly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2008 economic downturn led to a substantial decrease in the value of Harvard's endowment, from $37 billion in June 2008 to $26 billion by mid-2009.

Return to Game

The Paul Revere engraving mentioned relates to the founding of Yale University.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Paul Revere engraving mentioned in the context of endowments relates to Harvard University, not Yale University.

Return to Game

The Leona Helmsley bequest was intended for the care and welfare of dogs.

Answer: True

Explanation: The substantial bequest from Leona Helmsley was specifically designated for the care and welfare of dogs.

Return to Game

The Novo Nordisk Foundation's endowment value exceeded $100 billion in December 2022.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of December 31, 2022, the Novo Nordisk Foundation's endowment value was reported at $167 billion, exceeding $100 billion.

Return to Game

According to the source, which type of institution manages the largest academic endowment globally as of June 2021?

Answer: Harvard University

Explanation: As of June 2021, Harvard University managed the largest academic endowment globally, valued at $53.2 billion.

Return to Game

As of December 31, 2022, which foundation held the position of the world's wealthiest private foundation?

Answer: Novo Nordisk Foundation

Explanation: As of December 31, 2022, the Novo Nordisk Foundation was the world's wealthiest private foundation, with an endowment of $167 billion.

Return to Game

How did the 2008 economic downturn impact the endowments of major US universities like Harvard and Yale?

Answer: Their values decreased substantially.

Explanation: The 2008 economic downturn significantly reduced the values of major US university endowments, with Harvard and Yale experiencing substantial losses.

Return to Game

What historical engraving related to Harvard is mentioned in the article?

Answer: An engraving by Paul Revere from 1767 depicting Harvard College.

Explanation: The article mentions an engraving by Paul Revere from 1767 depicting Harvard College in relation to endowment information.

Return to Game

What was the specific intended purpose of the Leona Helmsley bequest mentioned?

Answer: For the care and welfare of dogs.

Explanation: The Leona Helmsley bequest was specifically intended for the care and welfare of dogs.

Return to Game

The value of Harvard University's endowment as of June 2021 was approximately:

Answer: 53.2 billion

Explanation: As of June 2021, Harvard University's endowment was valued at approximately $53.2 billion.

Return to Game