The George McNeil Charitable Trust
The George McNeil Charitable Trust, established in 1995 under the terms of the will of George J. McNeil, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit registered in the State of New York. The primary purposes of the Trust are, as McNeil wrote, to “promote the study, improvement and advancement of the visual arts" and “in the preservation and understanding of the works of art created by me during my lifetime.” Also “it is my hope that my Trustees can distribute my works of art to other tax exempt organizations where it can be seen and enjoyed.”
To carry out its purposes, the Trust donates George J. McNeil art works in its ownership to museums, or, occasionally, to other tax-exempt entities, or it sells art works to further the purposes of the Trust. Donations have tended to prioritize museums attached to educational institutions (the Allen Museum, Oberlin College, the Colby College Museum of Art, the University of Wyoming Art Museum) or regional museums that are building an Abstract Expressionist collection but do not have major McNeils (the North Dakota Museum of Art, the McNay Art Museum, San Antonio TX, the Hyde Collection, Glens Falls NY). When funds have permitted, the Trust has made grants to tax-exempt institutions such as the Pratt Institute, the New York Studio School and the Provincetown Art Association and Museum.
Arts-based tax exempt institutions that wish to be considered for a donation of a George J. McNeil art work should contact the trust here.
George J. McNeil established the Trust because, in his words, “I believe that the cultural aspirations of individuals and groups are important to the development and advancement of the visual arts which in turn are a benefit for all mankind."
The Trust and the estate are managed by Helen McNeil and Graham Ashton.