New College Foundation Achieves Top Endowment Investment Returns in State University System and Nation

Sarasota, Fla. — The New College Foundation announced that its endowment investment returns ranked #1 among all State University System (SUS) foundations in Florida and in the nation for one- and three-year returns, according to data from the FY2025 survey of the Florida State University System (SUS) Foundations and the 2025 National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO)-Commonfund Study of Endowments. 

“This achievement underscores the Foundation’s unwavering focus on stewardship and performance,” said Interim Executive Director of the New College Foundation and Vice Provost David Rancourt. “Delivering the highest returns in the SUS and at the national level demonstrates that our investment approach is both strategic and resilient. This level of success translates into real opportunities for New College students, enabling the college to expand access, invest in innovation, and reinforce its position as a leader in public liberal arts education.”

The NACUBO-Commonfund study shows U.S. colleges and universities and affiliated foundations reported an average one-year annual return of 10.9% on their endowment assets in fiscal year 2025. New College Foundation’s returns far outpaced its peers with a one-year annual return rate of 16.9%, the highest of any other endowment. Similarly, average three-year annual returns were 10.0%, while New College Foundation’s were higher at 12.5%.  

The Foundation’s strong performance reflects a disciplined investment strategy that is generating exceptional value despite evolving market conditions, and a commitment to maximizing returns in support of student success and institutional excellence at New College of Florida.

Endowment returns play a critical role in funding scholarships, faculty support, academic programs, and strategic initiatives. The Foundation’s performance directly enhances its ability to provide financial resources that benefit students and strengthen New College’s distinctive academic mission.

The New College Foundation’s unmatched endowment growth is its latest achievement in a series of successes. Since New College began its transformation in 2023, the Foundation’s assets have grown 40%. In 2025 alone, the Foundation received or secured more than $7 million in gifts and pledges, including a $2.5 million gift from the DSF Charitable Foundation for the Contemplative Center, $1 million from Michael and Ling Markovitz for the Socratic Stage, a $1 million gift from Steve and Natalee Herrig and a $150,000 donation from Thomas and Maureen Steiner. This marks a nearly 200% increase over the average annual fundraising totals prior to 2023. The College has not only earned an increase in major gifts, but has sparked a broader culture of giving, with nearly 2,500 donors contributing through events, annual giving and targeted support in 2025—a more than 90% increase compared to 2022. 

The New College Foundation is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is governed by a volunteer board of directors. The Foundation and its Board of Directors manage the endowment and a collection of funds that are invested for growth. Each year, endowment earnings are distributed, providing private support, as determined by donors, for student scholarships, academic programs, faculty research, and more. Through prudent stewardship of donors’ gifts, the Foundation enables New College to provide an outstanding liberal arts and sciences education to high-achieving undergraduates from Florida and elsewhere. 

For more information about the New College Foundation and its impact, please visit https://www.ncf.edu/alumni/foundation/.