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.

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.

$5.4 billion

the University’s annual operating expenses in the 2022 fiscal year.

14,000+

different funds make up Harvard’s endowment.

$677 million

granted in financial aid and scholarships in the 2022 fiscal year.

70%

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

$50.9 billion

the size of Harvard University’s endowment in the 2022 fiscal year.