The School of Medicine has many needs that can be addressed by philanthropy at different levels of support. From the $100 annual fund contribution to the $1 million gift to provide endowed faculty or research support, all private support is appreciated and serves to strengthen the medical center. While the following is not a comprehensive needs list, it does identify some of the highest priorities for private support: Annual Fund Scholarships Professorships Research Support Unrestricted Unrestricted gifts are directed to the Annual Fund, the medical school's only source of flexible current-year funds. Generally, all gifts below $10,000 serve the medical school best in the Annual Fund. Unrestricted-Research "The Dean's Discovery Fund" These funds are directed to support a growing research endeavor.  They work as a venture capital fund to encourage new ideas, young researchers, or the recruitment of top researchers. Restricted Gifts may be directed to any existing fund at the MCV Foundation for the benefit of a particular specialty or program to support the donor's personal interest. Endowed A minimum pledge of $10,000 made either through a current gift or by bequest, establishes an endowed named fund. The principal is preserved, and between 4-5% of the fund's market value supports the activities of the fund. Any additional income is reinvested to the fund.