Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko chaired a meeting on the development of target funds and other forms of charitable support for educational and scientific organizations.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Andrei Omelchuk, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Olga Koludarova, representatives of other ministries and departments, scientific organizations, and university rectors (MIPT, HSE, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, etc.).
In preparation for Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's strategy session, the Russian Ministry of Education and Science has formed seven working groups that are developing proposals for creating tools to support universities with their graduates and improving mechanisms for the formation and use of endowment funds for educational institutions addressing pressing industry issues.
The meeting presented the results of their activities over the past three months. The groups developed proposals for support tools; conducted a survey of over 100 successful and well-known graduates from 20 universities with large endowment funds; developed proposals for a list and methodology for collecting key indicators to assess the current state of endowment funds; and conducted an analysis of current legislation.
"President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has instructed that proposals be submitted for developing tools to support educational institutions through their graduates, as well as for improving the mechanisms for forming and using endowment funds (EFFs) for educational institutions. According to statistics, every second EFF in Russia operates in the education sector—approximately 40% of all funds. Moreover, over 36% of these funds are in higher education. It is necessary to strategically expand the geography of these funds, creating them not only in higher education but also in schools, secondary vocational education institutions, and research organizations," said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
Over the past 18 years, more than 400 endowment funds have been created in our country, with total assets exceeding 155.5 billion rubles. In 2024, the volume of funds invested in these funds increased by 8.6%, indicating increased confidence in this long-term financing instrument for socially significant projects. The Deputy Prime Minister added that Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has instructed the development of proposals for additional measures to support the development of endowment funds at universities. In accordance with the Ministry of Education and Science's instruction, the Concept for the Development of Endowment Funds for Universities and Research Organizations for 2025-2035 and its methodological recommendations have been approved.
"Today, the Ministry of Education and Science, together with other agencies, is actively working to increase the attractiveness and sustainability of endowments. It is crucial for us that endowments in Russia are growing, and we are creating the conditions for their further development. This work is based on extensive research involving over a hundred experts. Based on market analysis and surveys, key challenges and proposed solutions have been identified and will be further developed. In developing these measures, we are focusing on increasing trust and removing administrative barriers, including expanding tax incentives and promoting endowments. These steps will strengthen the funds' financial stability and improve their performance," noted Andrey Omelchuk, Deputy Minister of Education and Science.
The "Education and Promotion" working group conducted a survey of successful graduates of Russian universities to identify barriers and incentives for their participation in the formation and development of university endowment funds. The survey revealed that 71% of graduates are aware of the concept of endowment funds, and almost half of those surveyed—45%—are willing to make regular small payments to support endowment funds.
Ivan Lobanov, Rector of the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, noted the increasing number of specialized educational programs for training qualified personnel for foundations: by 2025, there are several thousand potential students affiliated with more than 400 foundations, as well as more than 1,000 potential course participants working at higher education institutions.
MIPT Rector Dmitry Livanov noted that an analysis of best global practices shows that the successful development of endowments is possible with a combination of three factors: flexible regulation, active university participation, and low entry barriers for small foundations.
"In Russia today, only the first step has been fully implemented. Therefore, our task is to create the necessary conditions: reduce administrative and financial barriers for small endowments, empower universities to support their endowments from the start, and develop platform solutions that dramatically reduce costs. We are convinced that a dedicated government support program is also necessary for accelerated market growth. This will allow us to create a modern endowment infrastructure and make endowments a viable source of long-term investment in education and science," noted Dmitry Livanov.
Stanislav Prokofiev, Rector of the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, outlined key measures for tax and non-tax incentives for endowment funds.
"These measures, according to the working group, should include quick wins in the form of simplified administrative procedures for creating and administering endowment funds based on out-of-the-box solutions, and the creation of model documents designed to help small endowment funds register and begin operations," he said.
Speaking about the medium-term outlook, Stanislav Prokofiev emphasized the need to improve legislation, as well as to ensure the flexibility and transparency of the Federal Center for Strategic Development and the expansion of investment instruments.
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