The Endowment Fund
keeping the arboretum perpetually moving forward
What is the Endowment Fund?
The May Arboretum Society created the Endowment Fund in 2013 as a self preserving, revenue generating fund to benefit and sustain the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden into perpetuity. Charitable donations to the Endowment Fund are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Ordinary people
giving in extraordinary ways
What is the goal?
In 2018, the May Arboretum Society received an anonymous $5 million donation to its endowment. The goal is to grow the endowment fund to $20 million to generate annual interest of $1 million. This security will allow the focus to be placed on building-out the Arboretum’s Implementation Plan. Only the interest from the endowment may be spent, assuring the principal will always be available.
At $20 million, the annual draw from the endowment fund would allow the society to provide the necessary staffing to maintain the grounds, conduct plant science research, provide consistent education opportunities, support conservation efforts, and develop the whole 22 acres into a living, breathing educational environment for the entire community.
How are the funds managed?
The May Arboretum Society Endowment Fund is professionally managed by a fiduciary.
Types of giving
Creative giving
In addition to general donations from individuals and businesses, there are also creative ways of giving that allow you to use your assets in addition to income. The Society may accept IRA non-qualified cash donations as well as donations from foundations.
Planned giving
With planned giving, you decide what to give and how to give it. Planned gifts such as investment securities and life insurance policies offer certain advantages to you the donor, and to the Arboretum.
Legacy giving
Create an enduring legacy by including the May Arboretum and Botanical Garden in your estate plans. Bequests may be done through a will or living trust. A gift by bequest allows you to continue to use the property you will leave to May Arboretum Society Endowment Fund during your life.
When you share your commitment to include the the May Arboretum Society in your estate plans, we warmly invite you to join the Legacy Circle, a community of dedicated donors who have chosen to make a lasting difference through their generosity.
Other ways to donate to the Endowment fund
Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
Are you approaching age 70s? QCD giving can help both of us.
When you are 70½ or older and looking for a tax-efficient way to support the causes you care about, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD), also known as an IRA charitable rollover, allows you to make tax-free donations directly from your IRA to eligible charities like the May Arboretum Society.
Legacy Giving
What you leave behind can make all the difference.
Your generosity can create an enduring legacy, supporting the the May Arboretum Society, both now and for generations to come. You can name the May Arboretum Society as a beneficiary by completing a form provided by your plan administrator, or consult your attorney to add a codicil to your will.
Meet Wilbur D. May
Wilbur D. May was a world explorer who made over 40 trips around the world, collecting and trading artifacts. Wilbur was a rancher, soldier, businessman, artist, pilot, and philanthropist. In 1936 he moved to Reno, Nevada, bred horses and cattle, and was committed to education, the well-being of children, and sharing with the community.
Meet Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner
Toward the end of Wilbur’s life, he and his family began working with Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner to create The May Center at Rancho San Rafael Park. The Center comprises the May Museum, housing Wilbur’s travel artifacts, and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
An amazing history
Many people are unaware of the history behind the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Without Dr. Edgar F. Kleiner, the UNR professor who planted the first tree, this arboretum would not exist. His hope, vision and determination made it possible.
Established in 1983 and opening to the public in 1986, Dr. Kleiner was able to build a foundation that would become the living plant museum it is today, growing the arboretum over three distinct phases over the next 14 years. The arboretum stands today as an invaluable resource for university students, k-12 education, and a haven enjoyed in so many ways by the community, thanks to Dr. Kleiner.
An uncomfortable truth
In 1999, a decision was made to place the May Center under the care and direction of Washoe County Parks. The independent company created for self-sustainability, established by Dr. Kleiner and the Wilbur D. May Foundation, was dissolved.
At this point, Washoe County was left handling the upkeep of Rancho San Rafael Park and the May Center, which includes both the Museum and the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
All this was now more than the county was able to handle financially. Lack of funding and expert leadership required to fulfill the growth plan resulted in an inability to move forward to completion.
The reality we face...
Without us, the Aboretum declines.
The May Arboretum Society provides for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
In fact, the Society provides Washoe County with staff, vehicles, and equipment to maintain the beauty of the Arboretum and keep things in working order.
New Arboretum features and gardens? Events, workshops, and educational programs for kids?
Yep, that’s us too.
Without you, there is no us.
Your memberships, business partnerships, donations, and contributions directly support your Arboretum.
The sole purpose of the Society is to provide the Arboretum with funding to keep it alive and growing.
We support Washoe County and commend their work at the Arboretum. By donating to the May Arboretum Society, your donations are guaranteed to be used solely for the benefit of the Arboretum.
We make sure of it.
Make a Lasting Impact
To speak with the May Arboretum Society about Endowment Fund giving, please fill out the form below, or feel free to email us at giving@mayarboretumsociety.org, or reach out the old fashioned way by calling us at 775.234.8040
