As the designated gift-receiving agency for the School, the CSM Foundation is a tax-exempt organization that exists solely for the benefit of Mines and its students.

It manages our endowment, helps friends and alumni make tax-favored gifts, and receives and stewards charitable bequests to the School.

Governed by a seven-member Board of Directors, the Foundation is an important partner in fulfilling the School’s mission.

Managing the Endowment

One of the Foundation’s most important functions is its management of the School’s endowment, now approximately $175 million.

Under current policy, the Foundation annually releases an amount equal to 5.25 percent of fund balance.

This amount is made available for current expenditure by academic fund managers.

Endowment investments are strategically managed by the Foundation in order to balance growth with prudence.

Funds are invested in a combination of large-capital domestic equities and stock funds, and investment-grade bonds and bond funds.

Over the last 15 years, the Foundation’s long-term investment pool has averaged a total annual return of 11-12 percent.

Gift Planning Assistance

In addition to managing the endowment, the Foundation and the Office of Institutional Advancement staff provide professional assistance to individuals who are considering a charitable gift as part of their estate planning, whether through a bequest or a life-income plan.

By integrating support for Mines with a donor’s specific tax and financial concerns, even relatively simple gift planning vehicles can dramatically extend the reach of charitable dollars.

Many of our friends have found such vehicles a particularly meaningful way to make a permanent impact on the School while providing for themselves or a loved one.

The Foundation currently administers over $23 million in life-income trusts.

Appreciated Securities and Real Estate

The Foundation, in conjunction with the Office of Institutional Advancement staff, also receives gifts of appreciated securities and other property on behalf of the School, a form of support that offers significant advantages both to Mines and the donor.

Through the CSMF Property Management Corp., the Foundation is uniquely well equipped to handle transfers of real property.

Drawing upon the expertise of Mines faculty and staff, the Property Management Corp. has helped donors resolve legal and environmental issues associated with the disposal of unwanted property.