Colorado Christian University celebrated a new milestone as it started 2025 with more than a half million dollars in scholarships and academic program assistance made available to students for the 2025-26 academic year from the CCU Endowment Foundation (CCUEF).
“The $527,000 in real dollar scholarships and assistance represents a 40% increase over the previous year, driven primarily by new individual donor investments into the endowment foundation,” shared Daniel LaBry, president of the CCU Endowment Foundation. “CCUEF currently hosts 86 endowment funds focused on the individual donor’s heart's desire, but collectively invested for greater impact. Of these funds, 94% are dedicated to student scholarships, with the remaining 6% supporting academic programs, faculty development, and other strategic needs.”
CCUEF provides donors with an expertly managed investment option that will have an impact for generations to come. By establishing a new endowment or contributing to an existing one, donors become part of CCU’s future — leaving a legacy of student scholarships, faculty development, and academic program support.
Investing in the Future: The CCU Endowment Foundation
Establishing a CCUEF endowment fund ensures that the principal remains intact, growing over time and generating ongoing investment returns used for scholarships and academic programs.
Since receiving its charitable status in 1995, the foundation has grown to almost $14 million through donor investments. It is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, including three members of CCU’s Board of Trustees and three additional directors with financial and legal expertise who comprise the Investment Committee. Together, they provide strategic oversight and careful stewardship of the foundation’s assets.
“The foundation is blessed with a Board of Directors committed to responsible financial oversight, ethical investment strategies, and transparent reporting,” said LaBry. “Their counsel and guidance ensure that our donors’ generous investments are managed wisely and maximized to the benefit of our students, faculty, and the mission of CCU.”
To ensure long-term sustainability, the CCUEF Board of Directors implemented a rolling five-year average award policy in late 2023. This approach helps stabilize annual scholarship and program allocations by reserving a portion of funds during strong investment years, maintaining resource availability during weaker market periods. It’s a strategy rooted in wise stewardship, designed to preserve and grow the endowment’s impact for future generations.
Over the most recent five-year period, CCUEF’s investment returns have ranged from a high of 24.18% this past year to a low of -15% during the market’s most challenging year following the pandemic.
For planning purposes, the foundation uses an average 5% annual return to illustrate the typical long-term impact of endowment funds. Donors are given up to three years to meet the minimum $25,000 investment to start an individually named endowment fund. Gifts of any size can also be directed to the general endowment or other established funds, supporting CCU’s most strategic priorities.
Every endowed gift — regardless of size — has a compounding impact, growing over time and multiplying its effect on future generations of CCU students and faculty. CCUEF has become an essential part of the University’s future financial stability, empowering CCU to:
Provide student scholarships, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder access to a Christ-centered education.
Enhance academic programs, fostering innovation and excellence in teaching and learning.
Support distinguished faculty, helping CCU attract and retain educators who inspire, mentor, and lead.
Secure CCU’s long-term mission, safeguarding its commitment to developing Christian leaders who impact culture and society.
“Imagine being able to ensure that any student who desires a Christ-centered college education can afford to do so — or that we can attract and retain Christ-centered faculty who are experts in their fields of study," said Daniel LaBry. "Those two goals alone are primary reasons why CCU must continue to grow its endowment.”
“In the past year, I’ve watched three of CCU’s most beloved science faculty leave for higher-paying jobs — despite their deep alignment with our mission and commitment to our students,” said LaBry. I’ve also personally met prospective students from missionary and pastoral families who were drawn to CCU’s Christ-centered environment but simply couldn’t afford to attend, even with financial aid. It’s heartbreaking — and it’s why we are determined to grow the CCU Endowment Foundation.”
According to the 2024 Commonfund Study of Endowments by the National Association of College and University Business Officers, the median endowment size of colleges and universities was $209.1 million. Nearly one-third of participating institutions reported endowments of $100 million or less — including CCU, whose endowment stood at just $13.5 million in 2024. For comparison, other well-known Christian institutional endowments include Anderson University with $49 million, Azusa Pacific University with $98 million, Biola University with $163 million, Taylor University with $300 million, Hillsdale College with $900 million, Grand Canyon University with $1.2 billion, and Liberty University with $2.2 billion.
“Our prayer and goal is to grow the CCU Endowment Foundation to the $300 million range,” LaBry continued, “to generate the type of financial assistance that could one day replace current levels of federal aid and to help us attract and retain Christ-centered, mission-aligned faculty. Reaching that goal will likely require significant estate and planned gifts from donors committed to leaving a legacy of Christ-centered higher education.”
LaBry added, “For now, we celebrate the $527,000 in support that CCUEF will provide for this coming year. We trust that God is already working in the hearts of those He has called to support His mission through CCU, and we give Him all the glory for what He will accomplish.”
Ways to Establish a Legacy Gift
In addition to generous cash contributions, there are multiple meaningful ways to establish a legacy gift through the CCU Endowment Foundation. These options allow donors to make a lasting difference while aligning with their financial situation and philanthropic goals.
- Simple Bequest
Include CCU in your will or living trust to create a lasting legacy. A bequest lets you designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual gift after other distributions, ensuring your values support future generations of CCU students. - Benefactor Giving
Name CCU as a beneficiary in your estate to establish an endowment honoring a loved one, family legacy, or personal passion. These funds can support scholarships, faculty, or programs of your choice, making a meaningful and enduring impact. - IRA Charitable Rollover
If you're 70½ or older, you can make a direct, tax-free gift to CCU from your IRA. This smart giving option allows you to reduce taxable income while significantly benefiting students, faculty, and the mission of the University. - Estate and Planned Gifts
Align your philanthropic goals with long-term financial planning through estate gifts like charitable remainder trusts, life insurance, and donor-advised funds. These options offer tax advantages and help secure a lasting legacy at CCU.
The CCU Advancement Team is here to help you navigate the many options that exist to invest in what God is doing through Colorado Christian University. If you would like to learn more or be connected with a Christ-centered philanthropic advisor, please reach out to your Gift Officer or contact the Advancement Office at: advancement@ccu.edu or 303-963-3330.
Be the Difference. Secure CCU's Future with Legacy Giving.
Leaving a legacy through a planned gift to Colorado Christian University is a meaningful way to impact future generations with a Christ-centered, higher education, all while aligning with your personal, financial, and estate-planning goals.
Contact the CCU Advancement team today