Harvard University Latest COVID Information Search Menu Supporting our mission ABOUT HARVARD Endowment Harvard in the Community Harvard in the World Harvard is funded, in part, by an endowment. The endowment includes thousands of philanthropic gifts donated since Harvard’s early history, many of which were given to support specific aspects of Harvard’s teaching and research work. Together, these gifts form a permanent source of funding that connects scholars and learners from many diverse backgrounds with opportunities at Harvard, now and into the future. Learn about Harvard’s endowment Endowment at work Our endowment supports many aspects of our work, from student financial aid to neighborhood programs, from museum and library preservation to campus activities, from faculty and fellow positions to scientific advancement. Read more about what our endowment makes possible A future trust Harvard’s endowment has existed for nearly four centuries and belongs to current and future generations of Harvard students, faculty, and researchers. It supports almost every aspect of the University’s work. Read Harvard’s 2021 Annual Financial Report $5 billion the University’s annual operating expenses in the 2021 fiscal year. 14,000+ different funds make up Harvard’s endowment. $597 million granted in financial aid and scholarships in the 2021 fiscal year. 70% of the endowment’s annual distribution is restricted to specific programs, departments, or purposes. $53.2 billion the size of Harvard University’s endowment in the 2021 fiscal year. Endowment FAQs What is an endowment? Why is an endowment important? What does Harvard’s endowment support? Are there constraints on endowment funds? “Harvard’s endowment should be a leader in shaping pathways to a sustainable future. It will require us to work with experts in economics and finance, investment managers, and other willing partners to develop tools to monitor the carbon footprint associated with Harvard’s varied portfolio of externally managed investments.” Lawrence Bacow, President, Harvard University Learn about Harvard’s action on climate change Centuries of giving hard at work Our endowment belongs to current and future generations of students and scholars whose curiosity and leadership are shaping our world. These stories are just a few examples of how endowed gifts support their work. ArtLab During her 2021 residency at this hub of innovation and creativity, Harvard music professor and Grammy Award–winning artist Esperanza Spalding brings together musicians and medical researchers to explore music as a tool for healing. Explore the ArtLab Give to Harvard Whether you’re interested in supporting our academic programs, our library and museum collections, our climate change action, or other aspects of our mission—your gift matters. Help strengthen and support Harvard’s work now and in the future. Give now Endowment news Harvard endowment to go greenhouse gas-neutral by 2050 Harvard releases annual financial report with a look ahead University reports budget surplus despite pandemic challenges The Gazette spoke with Executive Vice President Katie Lapp and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance Thomas Hollister to learn more about how the University’s performance got a boost from long-term planning, leadership at the School level, and the commitment of so many within the community to Harvard’s mission to teaching and learning. Security & Brand Report Copyright Infringement Report Security Issue Trademark Notice Website Accessibility Digital Accessibility Privacy Statement Get In Touch Contact Harvard Maps & Directions Jobs © 2021 The President and Fellows of Harvard College Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube 0:00 0:00