Over that time, the funds have grown, from about $10 million in assets to $135 billion.

After annual gifts, the fund has grown to $176 million.

Turned to this new use, the fund grew fast, and Tommy was provided for.

But as these funds grow larger and increase the number of stocks they own, each stock has less impact on performance.

That fund will grow to $150 million in four years.

Moreover, the funds are growing steadily at a rate of about 8 percent a year.

The funds have been growing since 1980 and by last year amounted to more than $50 billion, the article said.

With matching state and Federal grants, the fund could grow to $1 million, he said.

The fund could grow substantially in its first few years through interest from investment.

By July 2002, the fund had grown to more than $23.5 billion.