New Mexico State University Foundation Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
THE MISSION OF NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION IS TO FOSTER LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR ALUMNI, SUPPORTERS, AND COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO SECURE, MANAGE, STEWARD, AND PROTECT A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE OF PRIVATE RESOURCES THAT WILL ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY TO FULFILL ITS LAND GRANT MISSION.
- Income
- $56.7 million
- Spending
- $26.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 64%
- Reserves
- 52.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- investment income, 43%
- Employees
- 116
- Volunteers
- 35
- Highest pay
- $579,095, chief executive officer
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 84% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 52.8 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 23% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 54% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 38% on the year before.
Spending floor
8 of 1564% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 32 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 25% of charities in its peer group (education, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2535 of 35 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (1)
- $16.8 million spent. In FY25, New Mexico State University Foundation advanced its mission to support academic excellence, research innovation, and student success across the NMSU system. Through the generosity of donors and strategic stewardship of resources, the Foundation raised and managed funds that directly enriched the educational experience for thousands of students and bolstered the university's land-grant mission to serve the diverse communities of New Mexico. This year, the Foundation facilitated over $4.35 million in scholarship support, alleviating financial barriers for more than 2,850 students and ensuring access to higher education for many first-generation and underrepresented learners. In collaboration with campus partners, we supported faculty research, expanded experiential learning opportunities, and funded capital improvements to enhance campus facilities - including laboratories, student support centers, and cultural hubs. The Foundation also launched initiatives to deepen alumni engagement and community partnerships, hosting events and campaigns that celebrated Aggie pride and inspired lifelong investment in NMSU's future. Our donor relations efforts maintained a high standard of transparency and accountability, helping to sustain long-term philanthropic relationships critical to the university's growth and resilience. Through these efforts, the NMSU Foundation continues to serve as a vital engine for transforming lives and empowering the next generation of leaders in New Mexico and beyond.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since June 1960.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.