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:

Individual Donors
Click here to donate to the fund of your choice.

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 $26,898.

Hugh C. Atkinson Memorial Fund
The Hugh C. Atkinson award shall be made annually for sustained activity and contributions having a lasting impact on librarianship.

Illinois Library Luminaries
Illinois Library Luminaries honor those who have made a significant contribution to Illinois libraries and whose supporters make a contribution of at least $1,000 to the Illinois Library Association Endowment on their behalf.

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.

Robert R. McClarren Award
The Robert R. McClarren award is given to a worthy recipient from the Illinois library community – librarian, trustee, legislator, or library – who has contributed significantly to legislative development in the state of Illinois.

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.

Unrestricted Donation
Your unrestricted donation will be applied to the most urgent and pressing needs of the association.

Corporate Donors

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.

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.

ILA Awards
ILA awards recognize the contributions of members toward promoting library service in Illinois. Please contact ILA directly for information on how to be a sustaining sponsor of an ILA award.

For more information on corporate donating, contact Robert P. Doyle, Illinois Library Association, 33 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 301, Chicago, IL 60654; phone: (312) 644-1896; fax: (312) 644-1899; e-mail: doyle@ila.org.

Other Ways to Donate to the Illinois Library Association

The IRA Charitable Rollover
Good News! The IRA Charitable Rollover has been extended through December 31, 2009. Individuals may make cash gifts (totaling up to $100,000 a year) directly from traditional or Roth IRAs to qualified charities like the Illinois Library Association without incurring income tax penalties on the withdrawal.

Who can benefit? This is a great option for individuals who take mandatory minimum withdrawals, but do not need additional income; or for those whose major assets reside in their IRAs and who wish to make a charitable gift to the Illinois Library Association during their lifetime. Donors must be age 70 1/2 or older.

Notes: If IRA owners withdraw funds and contribute them to the ILA separately, amounts withdrawn will be included in the donor’s gross income. Retirement plans such as pensions and 401(k)s are not eligible. IRA gifts cannot be made to charitable remainder trusts or other life income gift arrangements such as gift annuities. The IRA Charitable Rollover provision is effective for tax years 2008 and 2009 only, so qualified distributions must be made by December 31 of each year. For further information, please contact Robert P. Doyle at (312) 644-1896.

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, please contact Robert P. Doyle, Illinois Library Association, 33 W. Grand Ave., Ste. 301, Chicago, IL 60654; 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.