There are many ways to give to the Michigan Historical Center Foundation. Follow the links below to learn more.

• Personal Gifts
• Matching Gifts
• Commemorative Gifts
• Endowed Gifts
• Bequests

Donor Recognition The Michigan Historical Center Foundation publicly recognizes the generosity of our donors beginning at cumulative giving of $1,000. Consider starting or adding to your giving by supporting Odyssey.

For more information, please contact:

Michigan Historical Center Foundation
P.O. Box 17035
Lansing, Michigan 48901
(517) 373-2565
mhcfoundation@michigan.gov

Personal Gifts

To send a gift or make a pledge, fill out and mail the donor form [PDF, 1 page].

We are pleased to accept:

• Checks (single gifts or pledge payments on installment)
• Payment by credit card (single gifts or pledge payments on installment) using American Express ($35 minimum), MasterCard, VISA or Discover
• Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other transferred securities

Matching Gifts

You can expand the impact of your gift if you work for a company that will match charitable contributions. For further information, contact your company's personnel department, community relations, or corporate contributions office for the necessary forms. If you help arrange a matching gift, for donor recognition purposes we will give you credit not only for your own gift, but also for the matching gift.

Commemorative Gifts

Commemorative gifts are often made in memory of a loved one, in honor of a friend or in celebration of a special event such as an anniversary, birthday or retirement. You may include a signed letter designating your gift for a specific Michigan Historical Center site or program.

Endowed Gifts

An endowed gift is a gift for the future and a gift for today. By establishing an endowed fund or adding to an existing one, you assure that the principal of your gift is maintained in perpetuity. At the same time, a portion of the income generated by the principal of your gift may support today's programs. Depending on your intentions and the nature of the gift, a separate fund may be established or an existing one increased. Please contact the Michigan Historical Center Foundation for further information about making an endowed gift.

Bequests

The desire to have your name and the fruits of your work live on is universal.

Distributing your assets can also be a reflection of your values and beliefs and a way to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the future. The Michigan Historical Center Foundation will work with you to help you achieve your goal.

The value of a gift by bequest is deductible from the value of an estate. Bequests may:

• Be restricted to or designated for a particular purpose;
• Consist of a specific amount dollar amount or of a specific percentage of your estate, IRA or other assets;
• Be the residue remaining after all other obligations are met; and/or
• Be made contingent upon another event, such as a spouse or other beneficiary predeceasing you.

You may arrange for the Michigan Historical Center Foundation to become a beneficiary not just through a will or trust, but also through your retirement plan, life insurance policy, IRA or mutual fund.

Note: Bequests through traditional IRAs or any other tax-deferred retirement plan left to any beneficiary except a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization will be significantly reduced by taxes because the government will claim the tax-deferred portion. Therefore, if you have a choice of leaving a bequest to the Michigan Historical Center Foundation through either a tax-deferred vehicle—such as an IRA or 401K—or another vehicle—such as a will—it might be to your and your beneficiaries' advantage for you to arrange for our Michigan Historical Center Foundation to be the primary death beneficiary of your tax deferred funds and bequeath to your individual beneficiaries assets that are not as tax-burdened.

If you wish to specify a restricted use for your gift, such as one site or project of the Michigan Historical Center, please send a signed letter describing your preferred gift vehicle (will, name of retirement fund, specific mutual fund) and your wishes regarding the designated use of your bequest to the Michigan Historical Center Foundation at the above address. For more information about making a bequest, please contact our office.

Updated 04/30/2007

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
Use and Reproduction Information [PDF]
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