Planned Giving

A gift to the McHenry County Historical Society is a personal and community-focused gesture which helps assure continued preservation of our local history for generations to come.  We suggest you consult legal and financial counsel before making financial decisions. Here are some options for your consideration.
 
Bequests
Through a bequest, you can make a gift of assets to MCHS. Your will may name the Society as a beneficiary of all or portions of your estate. This is a meaningful legacy in support of our mission. Your existing will may be modified to include the society.
 
Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Trusts
Through these vehicles, you retain an interest in the gift, with the remainder to be received by MCHS at a later time.  There may be specific estate tax benefits to you in support of the society.
 
Life Insurance
If your policy no longer has the financial significance for your family’s security that it once did, you may consider making MCHS the owner of the policy.  This may provide considerable tax benefits for you today.  You also may name MCHS as the beneficiary. This may benefit your estate upon your death.
 
Real Estate and Appreciated Stock
Your personal residence, a vacation home, commercial property, or undeveloped land can be donated to MCHS.  As with donations of appreciated stock, you may be able to receive a deduction for the full market value of the real estate, while also avoiding any exposure for the capital gains through appreciation in value of the property.
 
Cash
Cash donations are the simplest way to support our Society.  The impact of your cash donation may also be enhanced through your employer’s matched giving program.

We appreciate your consideration. Please give generously to enrich our organization, our facilities, and our efforts to preserve local and family history.