Unrestricted endowment funds offer unparalleled flexibility for foundations seeking to meet the evolving needs of the communities and causes they serve. They are widely considered among the most valuable dollars a foundation can raise—providing the ability to respond decisively when the unexpected occurs. Whether facing a global pandemic, a localized natural disaster, or a sudden shift in public funding for essential human services, foundations with substantial unrestricted resources are better positioned to show up quickly, strategically, and in ways that matter most.

Yet these highly valuable dollars are also notoriously difficult to raise. Building unrestricted endowment funds requires a profound level of trust—donors must believe deeply in a foundation’s mission, leadership, and long-term stewardship. At Inspiring Impact, we’ve seen what’s possible. Our team brings direct experience leading a foundation through a successful campaign to raise both lifetime and estate gifts for an unrestricted endowment. Today, we partner with foundations across the country to provide practical tools and proven strategies to grow this critical area of philanthropic work.

If building unrestricted endowment gifts is on your 2026 priority list, join us on February 5 to hear from Mike Goorhouse and Elizabeth Kidd of Inspiring Impact and jumpstart your thinking on how to make meaningful progress this year.