Additional contributions can be added to the endowment fund to increase the principal balance. Those additional contributions, along with the investment earnings, are used to grow the fund and to provide the beneficiary with ongoing financial support. A percentage of the earnings are distributed annually based on the intentions of the fund creator. Gifts to the endowment may be given in the form of immediate gifts such as cash, real estate, stocks, and bonds – or in the form of future gifts through wills and bequests or as a designated beneficiary of a life insurance plan, retirement plan, or IRA.