Donors establish endowed funds to support a specific purpose in perpetuity. It continues to provide support to the University in the areas of the donor’s interest. Endowed funds may support student scholarships, faculty, the general needs of the University or any school, college or program within the University. The UNM Foundation invests the funds and uses a portion of the income generated from the principal to provide annual funding.
Donors may fully fund an endowment with a one-time lumpsum gift; fund it over a three-year pledge period or through a bequest or other deferred gift. Endowment minimums vary by purpose, so please contact us for more specific information. The current endowment levels at UNM are:
| Type of Endowment | Suggested Minimum |
| Distinguished University Chair | $2,500,000 (HSC) |
| University Chair | $1,500,000 |
| University Chair | $1,000,000 (Junior Faculty) |
| Distinguished Professorship | $500,000 |
| Scientist in Residence | $500,000 |
| Visiting Professorship | $250,000 |
| Distinguished Lectureship | $250,000 |
| Research Fellowship | $250,000 |
| Regents’ Endowed Scholarship | $200,000 |
| UNM Faculty Fellowship | $100,000 |
| UNM Graduate Fellowship | $100,000 |
| Named Endowment for Academic Excellence | $50,000 |
| Presidential Endowed Scholarship | $50,000 |
| Named Endowment (any purpose other than above) | $25,000 |
In addition to cash, donors may establish endowed funds through any gift vehicle recognized by the UNM Foundation, including gifts of securities or real property, planned gifts, by pooled gifts from a group of friends, with memorial contributions or through continuing gifts to endowment accounts. Donors may help develop guidelines for how their endowments are to be governed and used.
For information on establishing an endowed fund, contact the UNM Foundation.