The impact of a legacy gift is long-lasting. The Illinois State Historical Society exists as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization today thanks to the vision of a legacy donor.

The Illinois State Historical Society Legacy Alliance honors the inspiring vision of those donors who connect their legacy to ours through planned gifts. Planned gift arrangements are simple and affordable ways to have a lasting impact.

Legacy gifts in any amount can be directed to support the priorities of the Society, or a particular program. It’s your choice. Planned gifts to ISHS make a lasting impact as the next chapter of our state’s history is being written. These special gifts can be made now or deferred to a later time.

They can be made in many different ways such as:

• Gifts through a will
• Retirement plan assets
• Charitable Trusts
• Real Estate

These are just a few commonly chosen legacy gift options. Please consult your financial or tax advisor about your specific situation.

When people are asked why they haven’t made a provision for the charities of their choice, many say that no one ever asked, or they don’t have anything to leave. We’re asking.
Please consider a legacy gift option. Every gift is deeply appreciated.

Legal bequest language for Illinois State Historical Society:
“I give and bequeath to the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Historical Society, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization having its principal address at 5255 Shepherd Road, Springfield, IL, 62703, (specific dollar amount or percentage) to be used for the Society’s general purposes as determined by the officers of the Board of Directors.”

If you wish to restrict your gift, we ask that you add the following language to your will to ensure that the Society is able to evolve far into the future:
“If at some time, in the judgement of the officers of the Board of Directors of the Illinois State Historical Society, it is no longer practical to use the income or principal of this bequest for the purposes intended, the Board may use the income or principal for whatever it deems necessary and most closely in accord with the intent described herein.”