The Heritage Society

The Arboretum is dedicated to developing a positive relationship between humans and nature — a project that has important local, national and international implications. To succeed, this ambitious, long-term effort requires sustained support.

Heritage Society members are those individuals who have made a provision, in any amount, for the Arboretum or the Friends of the Arboretum (FOA) in their estate planning, whether in their will, or via a life insurance policy, a personal residence or farm, or an IRA beneficiary. There are many options that can benefit both the giver and the Arboretum, and we would be happy to discuss them with you.

Heritage Society benefits

Invitations to special events such as pre-event receptions for visiting scientists and other dignitaries, meet-the-artist receptions and special gatherings with the Arboretum Director to learn about and discuss Arboretum projects and programs.

Automatic membership in Friends of the Arboretum with accompanying benefits (regardless of which organization you contribute to):

  • NewsLeaf, Friends of the Arboretum monthly newsletter with Arboretum news and calendar of events
  • $50 bookstore certificate
  • 15 percent discount in Arboretum bookstore
  • 10 percent discount on Arboretum classes and children’s summer day camp
  • 10 percent discount at Native Plant Sale each May
  • Invitations to trips — regional, national and international — guided by experts
  • Luncheon-lectures by noted speakers
  • Discount on subscription to Ecological Restoration, the Arboretum’s quarterly journal

Options for making a planned gift

Many people are surprised to learn that they can give a gift to the Arboretum and still benefit themselves. In many cases, people in circumstances similar to yours have found the means to offer support and in turn receive the benefits of giving. Individual circumstances vary — as with all tax and estate planning, please consult your attorney or estate specialist, and we would be glad to answer questions and offer suggestions based on your personal circumstances.

Here are some options to consider:

Wills and bequests — A bequest or gift is made through a will or a living trust. Income tax benefits are not available, because a bequest is revocable (can be changed during the donor’s lifetime), but there are estate tax benefits.

Charitable gift annuities — This is a simple contract between the Arboretum and the donor where the Arboretum pays a fixed income for life in exchange for an irrevocable gift of cash or securities.

Charitable remainder trusts — This type of trust provides life income for the donor and/or specified beneficiaries as well as tax deductions based on the estimated portion (remainder) of the assets that will ultimately go to the Arboretum.

Charitable lead trusts — Often called the opposite of a charitable remainder trust, a charitable lead trust provides income for a specified number of years and returns the principal to you or your heirs, often with significant tax benefits.

Retirement assets — By giving retirement fund assets you can often save the significant taxes (as much as 80 percent) imposed on such assets left to non-spousal heirs.

Appreciated assets — A gift of stocks, mutual fund shares or property that has appreciated in value has a twofold benefit: the impact of the gift is immediate, and there are income tax benefits as well as avoiding capital gains tax.

Real estate — There are several ways to use real estate as an option to support the Arboretum, including making a gift of real estate and retaining the right to reside on the property for life.

Life insurance — Life insurance can provide a way to make a significant gift by making the Arboretum the beneficiary.

Questions about a possible gift?

Please contact the Arboretum Director regarding contributions directly to the Arboretum at (608) 262-2748.

For contributions to Friends of the Arboretum, phone Sara Minkoff, Friends of the Arboretum Manager, at (608) 263-7760; sminkoff@wisc.edu.