Leave a Legacy, and Make History!
The St. Charles History Museum relies on the generosity of its members and supporters throughout the community. We are continually grateful to the individuals and families who have established Planned Gifts over the years, leaving a legacy that has benefitted the Museum both during and after their lifetime. Their philanthropy and goodwill symbolizes a deep and lasting commitment to the Museum's continued growth and stability.
Benefits of PLANNED GIVING
The beauty of a Planned Gift is that it benefits the Museum as well as the donor. Planned Gifts can come in all shapes and sizes. No matter the amount, they create a meaningful impact that resonates for
years into the future.
Donors who care about the Museum can show their financial support in ways they might not have thought possible and sometimes significantly enhance their own financial situation through a variety of tax incentives.
Give Now or Later?
A generous outright gift of cash can be the simplest to arrange and will allow the Museum to meet immediate goals and needs. It may, however, be preferable to defer a gift until after the donor’s lifetime, arranging it through an estate. These Planned Gifts are critically important to the Museum’s long-term financial strength, helping ensure its ability to meet future opportunities and challenges.
When you are making your estate plans, the St. Charles History Museum encourages you to consider the Museum and work with your attorney or estate planner to include the appropriate language in your will, codicil or trust documents.
Types of Gifts
Wills, Bequests, and Trusts: A bequest to the museum through your will or trust provides a legacy to benefit future generations. Donors may designate St. Charles History Museum as the recipient of a specific dollar amount, percentage amount, or as a percentage of the residual of their estate.
Donors may include a similar provision in revocable or irrevocable trusts, or establish a separate trust by will, designating St. Charles History Museum as the recipient of the estate residual. A charitable deduction is available to the estate for funds left to St. Charles History Museum.
Donors considering a bequest are encouraged to work with their attorneys or estate planners to ensure that any language used meets the legal requirements for the state or country where they live.
The following language may be incorporated in the donor’s will, written as a codicil to an existing will, or included in the donor’s revocable or irrevocable trust:
I give, devise, and bequeath ________________ (describe dollar amount, percentage, property to be given, or proportion or your residuary estate) to St. Charles History Museum, a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of Illinois with current headquarters located at 215 E. Main St., St. Charles, Illinois, Federal Tax ID #51-0168405, for its general charitable purposes.
St. Charles History Museum prefers that all bequests be made without restriction to St. Charles History Museum. However, if restricting the gift is so desired, donors are encouraged to contact the Executive Director to ensure proper wording and designation.
Donors are encouraged to notify St. Charles History Museum when considering a bequest, in order to ensure that the assets left to St. Charles History Museum meet the criteria set forth in this policy, and so that we can thank, recognize and properly steward the gift.
Stock & Securities: Do you own long-term stocks that you are ready to sell and you also want to make a gift to the museum? You can transfer the stock directly to the museum. But, if you have stocks that have declined in value, it’s often smart to sell the stocks first, then donate the cash proceeds.
Giving Information
The St. Charles History Museum is a 501(c)(3) and all charitable donations are tax deductible.
Donors who wish to claim a tax deduction should consult their income tax advisor or the Internal Revenue Service website in order to understand the proper procedures and consequences.
All gifts Should Be Made To:
St. Charles History Museum
215 E. Main St.
St. Charles, Illinois 60174
FEIN #: 51-0168405
