<p>Just wondering how current reported endowment figures are on websites and in viewbooks. Are these numbers as of prior calendar year or FY or what?Moreover, I'm very curious about all these financial industry blunders and their impact on portfolios, especially of smaller endowed BS. And now, Lehman Bros on the fence with little hope of a Fed bailout or Korean takeover...OMG.</p>
<p>In general, endowments are reported at the close of the fiscal year which is often at the end of June. If you search a school's website, you might find the financial report for the fiscal year. Endowments have probably been impacted by the roller coaster financial markets. However, because they are not-for-profits, they do not pay taxes. As a result, they have an advantage over regular tax paying investment portfolios. I suspect that most endowments are managed conservatively, but this will vary by school.</p>
<p>If you want very close to accuracte figures go to GuideStar</a> nonprofit reports and Forms 990 for donors, grantmakers and businesses and you can pull up any school you want. You do have to join (it's free) in order to view their 990 (the non-profit version of a tax return) but the info would all be in there - pretty much detailed how it is invested, etc. One thing to note, the 990 year might say 2006 - but when you look at the actual form, it will give the year on the top right of the first page - which is mostly fiscal years - so 2006 title may actually be the year that ended June 30, 2007. Unfortunately, June 30, 2008 won't be up for quite a while.</p>
<p>P.S.
Most viewbooks and web sites will report figures as of their last audit - so that would still be June 30, 2007 in most cases.</p>
<p>Thanks Burb Parent and Linda S!!!</p>
<p>I fully intend to join GuideStar and monitor it for fy updates</p>
<p>It's a great site. The 990's will also tell you salaries of the top employees at a school (and any non-profit actually if they make over $50k/year) and what expenses are. They will, for schools, have accurate financial aid numbers - some actually break it down per student (blacking out the student's name of course), others just give the total. It really is very interesting.</p>
<p>SHUT UP!!! <<<figuratively speaking,="" of="" course="">>></figuratively></p>
<p>I see an opportunity to research his current private day school as well :)</p>