Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum

A gift from the Lily Auchincloss Foundation, Inc. will create the Lily Auchincloss Design Education Endowment, which will ensure support for the Museum’s education programs for years to come.

Paul Herzan, Board Chairman

RE:ASSURE Endowment

At present, the Museum raises nearly 70% of its budget from private contributions and earned income from Museum admissions and Shop sales. Federal funding and income from the Smithsonian Institution provides the remaining 30%. Healthy, ever-increasing endowment funds are crucial for nurturing strategic growth and developing a truly national, and international, network of program delivery. The $10 million endowment goal will double the Museum’s existing endowment and increase the Museum’s financial base.

 

Enid Morse, Vice Chairman
“Lester and I chose to support the Museum renovation as well as the General Endowment Fund for Cooper-Hewitt's annual operating requirements. We care about the Smithsonian and the well-being of our cultural institutions and are pleased that the Fund supports education programs and exhibitions, as well as essential expenses incurred in running a National Museum.”

Enid Morse, Vice Chairman

 

Esme Usdan, Trustee and Exhibitions Committee Chairman
“The renovation will almost double Cooper-Hewitt’s exhibition space, allowing the Museum to present more diverse and larger exhibitions. As a result, endowment growth to support these exhibitions is essential, which is why I chose to establish an Exhibitions Endowment Fund. I am also supporting the renovation because I have no doubt that when it is finished the Museum will be an incredibly exciting place to visit.”

Esme Usdan, Trustee and Exhibitions Committee Chairman