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About the endowment

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

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 2024 Annual Financial Report

Three young women walking up the stairs, indoors, of a spacious white marble building.
  • $6.4 billion

    the University’s annual operating expenses in the 2024 fiscal year.

  • 14,600

    different funds make up Harvard’s endowment.

  • $749 million

    granted in financial aid and scholarships in the 2024 fiscal year.

  • 70%

    of the endowment’s annual distribution is donor directed to specific programs, departments, or purposes.

  • $53.2 billion

    the size of Harvard University’s endowment in the 2024 fiscal year.

Endowment FAQs

About the Harvard endowment
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“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 emeritus of Harvard University

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.


Endowment news

Memorial hall

Harvard cites careful planning and stewardship for the endowment performance

Harvard cites careful planning and stewardship for the endowment performance

Anne Radcliffe's gift launched four centuries of Harvard financial aid

A parchment dated May 9, 1643, noting Anne Radcliffe’s donation
Anne Radcliffe's gift launched four centuries of Harvard financial aid

Timothy Barakett to chair HMC Board of Directors

Tim Barakett
Timothy Barakett to chair HMC Board of Directors

The Fromm family’s longtime commitment to inclusion inspires a fund to build community through music

A group of choir singers
The Fromm family’s longtime commitment to inclusion inspires a fund to build community through music

Friends and colleagues share fond memories of D. Ronald Daniel, former Harvard treasurer

D. Ronald Daniel
Friends and colleagues share fond memories of D. Ronald Daniel, former Harvard treasurer

Ritu Kalra named Harvard’s vice president for finance and chief financial officer

Rita Kalra
Ritu Kalra named Harvard’s vice president for finance and chief financial officer