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The World Monuments Fund has raised $62 million for its endowment, surpassing its fundraising target a full 18 months ahead of schedule. The campaign has tripled the New York-based preservation organization’s endowment net assets, which officials expect to exceed $100 million by 2028. The funds will strengthen WMF’s ability to protect historic sites threatened by war, climate change, and natural disasters around the world.
Campaign Built Around Major Matching Challenge
WMF launched the public fundraising drive less than a year ago as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations. The Robert W. Wilson Charitable Trust anchored the campaign with a $20 million matching challenge, pledging 50 cents for every dollar raised, up to $40 million in total donations.
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Several prominent donors also contributed significantly. Philanthropist Suzanne Deal Booth gave $10 million toward a new heritage preservation institute that now carries her name. Virginia James contributed between $5 million and $10 million. Other donors include Susan de Menil, Stephen Lash, Annabelle Selldorf, and Christian Louboutin.
Bénédicte de Montlaur, WMF’s president and CEO, welcomed the result. “Cultural heritage is being lost to conflict, climate change, neglect, and urbanization faster than the world can respond,” she said. “This campaign gives WMF the long-term resources to act with greater urgency and ambition.”
How the New Funds Will Be Used
Founded in 1965, WMF has worked to preserve more than 700 sites across 114 countries. Its work ranges from conserving historic buildings and archaeological sites to training local craftspeople and supporting communities after disasters.
The new endowment funding will expand several of those efforts. The Suzanne Deal Booth Institute for Heritage Preservation has secured $21 million in endowed funds. Those resources will support conservation training, research, and professional development programs.
In addition, the Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust contributed $1 million to WMF’s Crisis Response Program. That program helps protect cultural heritage sites in the aftermath of conflict and natural disasters. Meanwhile, WMF raised $4 million for active preservation projects in the field.
The organization also established a $2 million endowed fund for the World Monuments Watch. That biennial program identifies cultural heritage sites facing serious threats and draws global attention to their preservation needs.
A Stronger Foundation for the Years Ahead
The fundraising success coincides with WMF beginning a new five-year strategic plan. The plan aims to expand the organization’s international reach and raise the global profile of historic preservation efforts.
For an organization that often races against time to save endangered sites, the expanded endowment provides something especially valuable. It offers a more stable and reliable source of long-term funding. As a result, WMF can respond more quickly and consistently to emerging threats facing cultural heritage worldwide.
