The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ Glasgow Society acknowledges the commitment of those forward-thinking individuals who include VMFA in their financial or estate planning and who inform the museum of their generous arrangement. These donors carry forward the legacy of support established by the Glasgow family and other benefactors of the museum.
Sixteen individuals began the Heritage Society in 1998. Today, more than 300 people have joined this group of esteemed museum supporters, ensuring that VMFA will continue to inspire future generations of Virginians and museum visitors with its world-renowned collections and innovative programming. VMFA renamed the society the Glasgow Society in honor of Arthur G. and Margaret B. Glasgow in 2011, the same year their significant planned gift to VMFA was realized.
Members of the Glasgow Society have taken advantage of one or more of the many ways to give to the museum, which meet their own personal needs. See a list of our Glasgow Society members here.
Ways to give include:
- Making a bequest.
- Including VMFA in a revocable, or living, trust.
- Investing in the museum’s future with a gift that returns a fixed income to you for life: a charitable gift annuity.
- Designating a share of the remaining balance of a retirement account.
- Initiating a gift that returns income either for life or for a period of time that you specify: a charitable remainder trust.
- Gifting the museum with a life insurance policy you no longer need, either by designating the museum as beneficiary, or by giving the museum ownership of the policy.
See our brochure on Planned Giving.
Giving Stories
Beginning with their first date at the National Gallery, Sue and Carl Patow have shared a passion for the arts. When they relocated to Richmond, the couple quickly embraced their new city and their new museum. Walking their dog, Pungo, brings them to the Sculpture Garden most days. Attending member programs or Sue's duties as a Council volunteer merits another visit. Enjoying a glass of wine in view of Chihuly's Red Reeds on Friday evenings is a favorite way to end the week.
The Patows recently decided to include a bequest to the museum in their wills. "We believe in VMFA's mission, particularly the importance of art to education, and we want to ensure that it continues to thrive," explains Carl. Sue sums up their decision this way: "Richmond is our hometown now. If you're a good citizen, you invest in your community—and in your museum."
The museum's rich history includes numerous bequests—from modest to monumental—that have helped make the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts the outstanding institution it is today. While every bequest has a unique story, all legacy gifts share a common thread: donors who deeply appreciate VMFA's impact in their lives and want to share that experience with future generations.
For Chuck and June Rayfield, who joined the museum nearly 20 years ago, including VMFA in their estate plan is a way to honor the museum and the city they both love. "After many years of hard work at Reynolds Aluminum and careful saving, June and I feel very fortunate we are able to give back to our community," Mr. Rayfield explains. "VMFA represents so much of what's wonderful about Richmond: free access to great art, diverse educational opportunities, history for the viewing, and even fine food—all in a beautiful environment."
