Since the Carnegie Institution was funded by Andrew Carnegie, why does it need contributions?

Andrew Carnegie contributed $22 million to the Carnegie Institution to create an endowment. Even though the Carnegie gift has increased considerably in value over the years and has been supplemented by gifts from foundations and individuals for the endowment, the institution's endowment generates less than 60% of the funds needed to support the work of our scientists. We therefore rely on gifts from individuals, as well as government and private grants, for more than 40% of our annual operating income.