American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and
American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation:

What is the Difference?

The ACLU of New Mexico is comprised of two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation. Although both the Union and the Foundation are part of the same overall organization, it is necessary that the ACLU of New Mexico have two separate organizations in order for the ACLU of New Mexico to do a broad range of work in protecting civil liberties. This Web site collectively refers to the two organizations under the name "ACLU of New Mexico."

Although there is some overlap in the work done by each organization, certain activities the ACLU of New Mexico does to protect civil liberties must be done by one organization and not the other. This is primarily in the area of lobbying. The American Civil Liberties Union engages in legislative lobbying. As an organization that is eligible to receive contributions that are tax-deductible by the contributor, federal law limits the extent to which the Foundation may engage in lobbying activities. Therefore, most of the lobbying activity done by the ACLU of New Mexico and discussed in this Web site is done by the Union. By contrast, most of the ACLU of New Mexico's litigation and communication efforts described in this Web site are done by the Foundation.

You may make a contribution to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation, or both. A contribution to either organization will be used to support, promote and defend civil liberties. However, each organization will only use the funds contributed directly to it to carry out the specific activities it conducts as part of the overall ACLU of New Mexico mission. A donor may make a tax-deductible gift only to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation. A donor who chooses to "Join" and become a card-carrying member of the ACLU of New Mexico is making a contribution to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico. Membership dues and other gifts to Union are not tax deductible.

To join and become a card-carrying member of the ACLU of New Mexico, click here. To make a tax-deductible gift to the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico Foundation, click here.