Building a Stronger ILA through Gifts and Donations

There are several avenues available for members and others to make donations related to their areas of interest. Please review the following categories and types of giving to better understand how you can contribute to the long-term strength of library service in Illinois. Contributions designated to one of the following funds are tax deductible:

ILA Endowment Fund
Established in 2000, the endowment is ILA's main vehicle for long-term financial stability and growth. Interest from the endowment is used to support the overall goals of the association, with the principal retained in a reserve fund. Current assets are valued at $7,677.

ILA Conference Sponsorships
Many of the events at the ILA Annual Conference are underwritten by corporations and individuals who support ILA's mission and goals. Sponsorships range in value from $500 to $2,000 and a complete list of sponsorship opportunities is available on the ILA Web site. Sponsorships allow ILA to keep conference fees down and encourage greater participation, while providing significant exposure to the sponsoring organizations.

ILA Awards
ILA awards recognize the contributions of members toward promoting library service in Illinois. While many are supported by vendors, two of ILA's most significant awards-the Hugh C. Atkinson Award and the Robert R. McClarren Legislative Development Award-are in need of sponsorship to ensure their continued viability. The Atkinson award honors accomplishments in multitype library cooperation, and the McClarren award honors legislative advocacy.

Legal Defense Fund
In 2004, ILA filed its first amicus brief on behalf of an Illinois library (Cherry Valley Public Library District case) to protect the ability of public library districts to annex new territory. Contributions have nearly covered the costs of this filing, but a fund is being developed to support future legal needs to defend freedom of information.

Sylvia Murphy Williams Fund
This scholarship fund supports Illinois recipients of ALA Spectrum Scholarships and is the best way to ensure a diverse future for librarianship. It is named in honor of 2002-2003 ILA President, the late Sylvia Murphy Williams.

Building a Home for ILA
ILA has a long-term goal of owning office space. This will provide the association with an investment in real estate, and help relieve the financial burden of ongoing rental and leasing increases. A capital campaign will be launched, targeting major donors. A start-up or seed fund is critical to the success of the future campaign.

Types of Giving

Individual Giving
ILA members are urged to consider an annual gift or pledge to the fund or funds of their choice. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Gift Solicitation
Members are encouraged to refer names of corporate or other prospective donors to the ILA Fundraising Committee for coordinated follow-up.

Planned Giving
There are a number of options for planned or deferred giving that allow you to make a significant contribution to the future of library service in Illinois. Depending on individual circumstances, a planned gift may enable you to reduce income, gift, and estate taxes or reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes. Talk with an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor to determine which types of planned giving are best suited to your financial goals.

Wills and Living Trusts
Charitable bequests made through wills or revocable living trusts are a popular way to support an organization. Bequests are simple to arrange, offer flexibility, and can reduce estate taxes. While these are often thought to be the primary types of planned giving, there are other options that may be more advantageous, if not as well known.

Life Income Plans
There are a number of ways to donate cash, securities, or other property and retain lifetime payments for yourself or loved ones. Benefits include a current income tax deduction, as well as other possible tax advantages.

Retirement Plan Assets
In many cases, donating some or all of the assets from your IRA, 401(k), or other qualified retirement plan is a smart option. Gifts can be made during your lifetime or upon death.

Matching Gift Programs
Librarians who work for corporate libraries (or who have spouses who work for corporations) or trustees or friends of ILA who work for a corporation are urged to investigate matching gift opportunities. Contact your firms human resources department for information and appropriate forms.

Other Gift Options
ILA welcomes contributions of a variety of types of appreciated assets such as securities, life insurance, U.S. saving bonds, annuity contracts, and personal property such as real estate.

For more information on planned giving, contact Robert P. Doyle, Illinois Library Association, 33 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 301, Chicago, IL 60610-4306; phone: (312) 644-1896; fax: (312) 644-1899; e-mail: doyle@ila.org.

Donor Recognition
All donors to ILA will be recognized in ways that acknowledge the value and importance of their contribution to Illinois libraries. Donors above $50 will be listed annually on the ILA Web site and receive other forms of recognition at ILA events and in association publications.
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