Mission & Vision

Vision

Empower The University of New Mexico to be a global leader in realizing human potential, addressing society’s critical challenges through education, research and health for the benefit of our community, state, and the world.

Mission

Create powerful engagements and partnerships that lead to increased philanthropy, investment, innovation and support for The University of New Mexico.

Core Values

  • Excellence

  • Collaboration

  • Integrity

  • Tenacity

  • Engagement

Fundraising at The University of New Mexico

In order to develop private financial support for The University of New Mexico, the University’s Board of Regents established The UNM Foundation Inc. in 1979 as an incorporated nonprofit corporation. The Foundation began operations in the spring of 1980, conducting all of its operations through a University department. At that time, University units hired development professionals and limited staff to provide direct fund raising and other support to programmatic initiatives for philanthropy.

In 1989, the Board of Regents delegated the responsibility of overseeing University assets and investments to The UNM Foundation Investment Committee. These assets total in excess of $900 million today.

In 2008, at the request of the Regents, the Foundation transitioned to a stand‐alone organization with expanded fiduciary duties to include fiscal, human resources and treasury functions. Since its creation, and in accordance with University policy, all private gifts are received through the Foundation, which has the responsibility for managing contributions to all University programs. Gifts to The UNM Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

UNM Foundation Strategic Plan 2026-2028

The University of New Mexico Foundation has been a steadfast partner in advancing The University of New Mexico for over four decades since its inception in 1979. The previous strategic plan, EMPOWER, was completed one year ahead of schedule in 2024, and The UNM Foundation and Board of Trustees spent 2025 building and refining this new plan as well as reviewing and enhancing its mission, vision, and core values. 

The new strategic plan has two steadfast goals: to grow and enhance the culture of philanthropy through greater donor engagement and campus partnerships to support UNM’s aspirations; and to thoughtfully and prudently grow investments in the endowment with returns comparable to or exceeding those of our peer institutions. The current three-year plan has four strategic pillars: campaign, financial stewardship and management, talent, and technology, while The Velarde Center for Philanthropy remains an integrated and important component within the plan. Click here to review The UNM Foundation Strategic Plan 2026-2028.

UNM Foundation Governing Documents

UNM Foundation, Inc. Articles of Incorporation
UNM Foundation, Inc. Bylaws
UNM Foundation, Inc. Policies
UNM Foundation Board of Trustees Committee Charters
Memorandum of Agreement Between The Regents of The University of New Mexico & the UNM Foundation, Inc.

Contact

The University of New Mexico Foundation, Inc.
Two Woodward Center
700 Lomas Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102-9928

Phone: (505) 313-7600
Fax: (505) 843-9035
Contact us: CONTACT@UNMFUND.ORG