The Mary Gates Endowment for Students was established by Bill and Melinda Gates in 1995 to honor the memory of Bill's mother, Mary Maxwell Gates (1929-1994). A leader who promoted voluntary service and philanthropy both locally and nationally, Mary Gates served as a UW Regent from 1975-1993.
Initially established with a $10 million gift and reinvested in 1999 with an additional $10 million, the Mary Gates Endowment for Students is the largest endowment at the University of Washington. Annual proceeds of $1 million are dedicated exclusively to undergraduates.
Leadership and research scholarships, funded by the Mary Gates Endowment for Students, are available to qualified candidates through competitive application processes. Students may apply for either two-or three-quarter scholarships which pay in quarterly installments of $1,500 each. Candidates must be UW undergraduate students registered for at least 12 credits and pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
