The School is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, why do you need gifts at all?
While the SMFA is a division of the Museum and our partnership adds a unique and vital dimension to a Museum School education, the School functions as an independent college, responsible for its own budget — revenue and expenses. It does not receive philanthropic or operating funding from the MFA. Such independence is invaluable, but alumni and friends of the School must work to support it. The School relies on annual gifts, fundraising events (such as the Museum School Art Sale and the Medal Award Dinner) and income from a modest endowment for about 15 percent of its budget — or about $3,000,000 annually. Gifts and pledges support operating expenses, including financial aid, faculty salaries, facilities, equipment, exhibitions, technology and strategic programs.

Can my gift really make a difference?
Every gift — large or small — supports something important to SMFA, whether it is a scholarship, a visiting artist lecture, an easel, ink for a press, resources for the library or an advisor's time. The more people who regularly support the School, the more stable our financial foundation. When we build upon that foundation and ask more people who care about art, culture, a creative economy and higher education to invest in a dynamic and relevant SMFA, the School gets stronger and we ensure that the reputation and caché of an SMFA education continues to be that of a great art school. Your gift goes to work for teaching and artmaking and yes, your gift truly makes a difference.

How can I make a gift to the School?
Giving is easy, whether online via our secure form or by emailing development@smfa.edu.