Legacy | March 2026

Endowments Benefit You, Your Family and the Foundation

How Can an Endowment Gift Benefit You?

A gift to one or more of our endowment funds provides meaningful support to the Foundation and the cultural institutions we serve. Additional benefits include:

  • Potential eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction.
  • Assurance that our work and that of the cultural institutions we support remains financially stable for years to come.
  • The opportunity to inspire others through your lasting legacy.

How Do our Endowments Work?

  • Endowment funds provide long-term financial support for the cultural institutions you cherish.
  • The principal of your gift remains intact and is invested alongside other endowed funds according to our board-approved endowment policy, designed to ensure stable, predictable growth.
  • Each year, a set percentage of the endowed funds is distributed based on the endowment agreement, providing essential support for current needs.

Endowments Make a Major Difference

At the end of Fiscal Year 2025, the Museum of New Mexico Foundation was managing 42 endowments, valued at more than $38 million. The board approved distribution rate was 4% and the distributed income was $1,039,649.

Click here to read our full 2025 endowment report:  Endowment Report 

How Can You Make an Endowment Gift?

Establishing or contributing to an endowment fund is easier than you might think. Contrary to common misconceptions, endowments are not only for the wealthy—they are accessible to everyone.

A variety of assets, including real estate, life insurance, appreciated stock, investment accounts and artwork, can be used to create an endowment. We work closely with our donors to craft endowment agreements that align with their philanthropic goals.

New Endowments are in Process for 2026

The Museum of New Mexico Foundation recently received over $5 million to establish the Barbara and Richard Boulay Endowment Fund for the acquisition of new work at the New Mexico Museum of Art and to support educational programs at the museum, the largest single gift ever received by the New Mexico Museum of Art. Her generous bequest ensures that her love of art and education will continue for generations.

Is an Endowment Gift Right for you?

If you would like to make an impact today and leave a legacy to ensure we fulfill our mission, please contact Laura Sullivan, Director of Planned Giving at laura@museumfoundation.org or 505.216.0829 or visit: Legacy Gifts

Photo by Daniel Quat.