[DC 86]

Assuming Stanford wants to, I think we are always going to be able to come up with the money to hire and pay quality coaches.
Still, I think it is a very nice gesture from someone who wants to help the program succeed.

True, but as these endowments generate investment income, money that is raised elsewhere can be applied to facilities and other capital improvements instead of recurring salary costs. Having endowed staff positions is also a major benefit if department revenues fall and budgets are tightened; for non-revenue sports it could save a program from elimination if coaching salaries are endowed.

[DC 86]

Assuming Stanford wants to, I think we are always going to be able to come up with the money to hire and pay quality coaches.
Still, I think it is a very nice gesture from someone who wants to help the program succeed.

True, but as these endowments generate investment income, money that is raised elsewhere can be applied to facilities and other capital improvements instead of recurring salary costs. Having endowed staff positions is also a major benefit if department revenues fall and budgets are tightened; for non-revenue sports it could save a program from elimination if coaching salaries are endowed.